Edward River Council recognised Norm Purtill as Citizen of the Year at its Australia Day awards ceremony this morning.
Mayor Peta Betts said the recognition was fitting for a man who has made so many contributions and been so heavily involved in service clubs and community initiatives over the years.
Mr Purtill said he was honoured and humbled to have received the award, and congratulated fellow nominees.
Other Edward River Council awards
- Community event or initiative: Play on the Plains, accepted by GM Vicky Lowry.
- Environment: Philip Maher.
- Arts and culture: Cheryl Fuller.
Deniliquin original Leo Barry Jnr was the guest speaker, the local Sing Australia group performed the National Anthem, and Laura Ross Hand performed a Welcome to Country and spoke of how First Nations’ peoples mark January 26.
For a full wrap of the event, see this Friday’s Pastoral Times.