Tennant Creek’s born and bred doctor Sarah Goddard took the top honours in the Local Government 2023 Australia Day Awards for Tennant Creek.

Dr Goddard has spent well over a decade reaching her goals to become a doctor and Citizen of the Year Awards adds to her list of growing accolades, winning best Indigenous doctor in Australia late last year in the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) awards.

Currently on holidays in New South Wales, Dr Goddard said she was very honoured to accept the award.

“I will continue to be me and service the Barkly to the best of my ability,” she said.

“It’s a proud moment being nominated for 2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.”

Local Deb Cain was in the spotlight twice during the ceremony, taking out Senior Citizen of the Year, and accepting the Community Event of the Year award which was awarded to the Pink and Teal Ball in which she headed a team of committed organisers.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Boyd Cook, nominated for his exceptional leadership skills working with fellow students and representing Clontarf Foundation in AFL and other programs such as the Junior Horse Centre.

Kane Sevallos-Seden was crowned Sportsperson of the Year for being a role model to young kids and showing good sportsmanship at local events including basketball and volleyball.

The Volunteer of the Year honours were earned by Ujwal Minocha for his work in town with the Tennant Creek Community Markets and Uniting Church Community Garden.

The Australia Day Breakfast Ceremony as almost at capacity, with Red Centre Café catering to a crowd of more than 100 guests.

Member for Barkly Steve Edgington emceed the morning, overseeing the Flag-raising Ceremony, Citizenship Ceremony and the Australia Day Awards.

Councillor Dianne Stokes conducted a moving Welcome to Country, first in Warumungu following by the English version before the National Anthem was played and the Tennant Creek Girl Guides yet again provided a moving flag-raising ceremony.

A highlight for many guests was the spectacular Australia Day Cake, created by Ollies Cake House in Alice Springs.

The cake featured the Devils Marbles, the spiky-tailed goanna, native flora such as wattle and gumnuts, road signs and the Australian and Aboriginal flags to name a few decorations.

See all the Australia Day coverage and pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 27 January 2023.