Sean Cunningham, Narrandera Argus
Australia Day activities started early at Narrandera Sportsground with the Narrandera Lions Club cooking breakfast to set people up for the day.
The main part of the ceremony started when Narrandera mayor Neville Kschenka congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for their hard work and contribution to the community.
”Today we’re here to celebrate what’s great about Australia,” Councillor Kschenka said.
“Each year, we celebrate Australia Day by hosting an awards ceremony to recognise those in our community who make a difference.
“It’s wonderful to be able to recognise the achievements of those within our community on this day and it is pleasing to see the calibre of those nominated.
“The people nominated for the awards are the backbone of our society and are an inspiration to us all.”
Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley followed the mayor with a brief insight on her thoughts on Australia Day.
She said she was honoured to be in attendance at the Narrandera Australia Day celebrations.
“Whether you’re born here, have indigenous history, or are a migrant to this country, you feel like the luckiest person in the luckiest country,”she said.
“You can achieve what you want to as the opportunity is there for everyone.
“As we look forward after a tough couple of years, today, Australia Day, could be a turning point for a bright future.”
Warren Potent, five-time Olympian and Olympic medallist for prone rifle shooter was this year’s Australia Day Ambassador.
Mr Potent won the bronze medal in the 50 metre rifle prone at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He has also won gold, silver and bronze medals at Commonwealth Games events.
His first impressions of Narrandera were positive.
“This is my 18th time as an Australia Day Ambassador,” Mr Potent said.
“This is the first time I’ve stayed in Narrandera, It’s a wonderful town here, it’s beautiful.
“Our future really does start today, we can all help make it a better place in the future.We can all live as equals because we are all equal and our visions can help Australia to become a better nation.”
Local Ambassador John Sullivan, praised the town’s Australia Day award nominees.
“I stand in awe of this honour of being the local ambassador,” he said.
”As I look in the crowd there are far more deserving people than me.
“Today is a day we celebrate what we’ve achieved in this beautiful town. We are lucky to have such dedicated people in our community.”
Narrandera Volunteer Rescue Squad was awarded Organisation of the Year in recognition of their vital service since 1968.
One of the squad members, Alastair Macdonald, delivered a message to the community as he received the award.
“We’re the type of organisation that sits in the background and one that you hope you never get to see,” said.
“But we want you to know that we’re there when you do need us.”
An Australiana scavenger hunt followed the official ceremony with prizes and gifts and it kept the younger generation entertained as they searched for rocks painted with an Australiana theme.
The thong-throw event also took place after the Australia Day awards ceremony and proved to be popular with both children and adults.
In the afternoon, free kayak hire was available at Rocky Waterholes with tours being conducted both on water and on land.
Barellan and Grong Grong conducted Australia Day gatherings, which featured live music at both locations.
A flag raising ceremony kicked off the celebrations at Grong Grong then some revellers, including Narrandera mayor Neville Kschenka and Australia Day ambassador Warren Potent, made their way to the Grong Grong Sports Club for an Australia Day lunch followed by some musical entertainment.
The Australia Day Ceremony and awards, as well as Narrandera Sports Awards, was live-streamed on the Narrandera Shire Council Facebook page.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 27 January 2022.
