Murray River Young Citizen of the Year Jobe Unwin.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Mathoura’s future is in good hands if recipients of the Australia Day Young Citizen and Young Sportsperson Awards are any indication.
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Jobe Unwin’s Young Citizen of the Year nomination did not simply highlight the young man’s individual achievements, rather, it involved his participation in, and contribution to a range of activities at school and in the community generally.
Likewise, Young Sportsperson Lara O’Callaghan did not rest on her laurels of having secured league recognition in netball, but was also active in her team and within her club, as well as her community. Congratulations to both young citizens.
Murray River Mayor Cr Frank Crawley received a surprise when Town Crier Judy Campbell did her ‘cry’ before introducing him to carry out the official part of the day’s activities.
He was not aware of her existence but, from experience, we know too well that he will never forget.
Australia Day Ambassador Dr Cindy Pan entertained the crowd with a talk about life in China over the years, with a particular interest in the women’s tiny feet.
Murray River Young Sportsperson of the Year Lara O'Callaghan.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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Mathoura residents who have moved on to other towns were also recipients of Australia Day awards, with Jordan Simpson receiving Campaspe Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Jordan has been a dedicated member of the CFA since 2017 and was elected the 4th Lieutenant of the Echuca Fire Brigade, becoming the youngest in the brigade’s history.
He is also a regular participant in the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, raising money for cancer and mental health.
Echuca award winners were Don Hicks OAM for Citizen of the Year, Jordan Simpson for Young Citizen of the Year and the Loco Shed Echuca for Community Group of the year. Photo: Shannon Colee
Photo by
Shannon Colee
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The Northern United Cricket Club, a combination of the Bunnaloo and Mathoura Cricket clubs, will host its last home game for the season tomorrow.
It could possibly be the last ever game of cricket played at Bunnaloo.
To mark the occasion, the current players would like to invite everyone to join them for drinks and a raffle after their win at 3.30pm, then a barbecue and drinks from around 5.30pm.
The club hopes to see lots in attendance to talk about old times with friends and family and to meet the Goats of today.
Why ‘The Goats’?
Several years ago when neither club was able to field teams on their own they made the decision to amalgamate as Northern United – and they weren’t too shabby either.
After quite a run of successful games it was only natural that they added Goats – which stands for Greatest Of All Time.
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The gradual return to school for Mathoura Public School staff and students begins on Tuesday.
They will have two days to ensure that everything is prepared for greeting students in Years 1 to 6 on Thursday
The most important day will be Friday when school becomes ‘fair dinkum’ for the newest students, who are sure to receive a warm welcome from the others.
They will probably be curious to see what K1 teacher Mrs Park has in store to make it an extra special day.
•••
The Festival of Small Halls will bring more entertainment to the folk out west next month with Caldwell to host a combined international and Australian program.
It will include Iceland’s Svavar Knutar, Australian multi-award winning duo The Maes, and local artist Zech Walters.
Tickets for the March 22 show - the 2024 autumn tour - will be available from the Festival of Small Halls website.
Bunnaloo P&C will have food for purchase outside the venue and seating will be available from 6.15pm.
Hall doors will open at 6.30pm. Show starts at 7pm sharp.
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