A CROWD of more than 200 people gathered at the Showground Hall on Saturday to celebrate Australia Day and see Glen Stewart named Oberon's Citizen of the Year.
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Oberon's Australia Day Ambassador, entrepreneur Justin Herald, gave an entertaining speech and he was joined by Member for Calare Andrew Gee, mayor Kathy Sajowitz and Borg plant manager Tony Truscott.
"Once again this year we have received some amazing nominations,” Cr Sajowitz said. "It is a credit to all who have been nominated and I congratulate all nominees in each category."
Mr Stewart has lived in Oberon for 20 years with his wife Kerry and children Rebecca and James. He works full-time as a branch manager for the Commonwealth Bank and is also a civil marriage celebrant.
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He is a member of Oberon Rotary Club and helped to reinvigorate the club two years ago when it faced closure.
He is also vice-president of the Oberon High School P and C, treasurer of the Oberon Show Society, treasurer of the Oberon Showground Trust Board and treasurer of the Oberon Multipurpose Indoor Sports Centre.
Cr Sajowitz said locals will, more often than not, see Mr Stewart helping these varied community organisations on a weekend either with their fundraising efforts or just pitching in to do what needs to be done.
"Glen is passionate about educating Oberon's young adults in life skills. He is currently working with the Oberon Youth Council to develop a youth leadership skills course and self-development program,” Cr Sajowitz said.
"Glen is a quiet achiever who often identifies areas of need within the community and quietly goes about giving a helping hand."
Other Citizen of the Year nominees were Eddie Gibbons, Mick Roels, Neville Stapleton, Nadine Roach and Meg Low.
Bailey Armstrong, an outstanding student at Oberon High School, particularly over the past two years as a senior student, was named Young Citizen of the Year.
Cr Sajowitz said Bailey has high aspirations and has pursued her goal of a career in exercise physiology.
“In 2017, Bailey was invited to show her work in Artexpress, which is only offered to students who are in the top one per cent of visual arts candidates in any HSC cohort for that year,” Cr Sajowitz said.
Bailey was one of a handful of rural students selected and was given two opportunities to show her work in 2018: at the Armory Gallery at Homebush and in an exhibition at the Orange Regional Art Gallery.
"Bailey was selected as school captain in 2018 and has excelled as a school leader both within the school and wider community,” Cr Sajowitz said. "A senior member of the School Representative Council, Bailey has organised fundraising activities and actively worked towards ensuring their success.
“Bailey has also taken up the opportunity to represent her school in sporting activities, including Rural Cup, swimming, athletics and cross country.
"She attended a meeting with the NSW Governor and has been involved in a wide variety of community activities, including representing Oberon High School at Australia Day and Anzac Day official ceremonies."
Bailey was awarded Oberon High's dux of 2018.
Peta McGrath was the other nominee for Young Citizen of the Year.
Sportsperson of the Year went to Jess Ryan.
Young Sportsperson of the Year went to Jorgia McFawn. The other nominee in this category was Tyler Colley.
Sports Team of the Year went to Oberon High School’s under 16s rugby league team. Other nominees were the Oberon third grade men’s hockey team and Oberon third grade women’s hockey team.
Community Event of the Year went to the Fish River Festival. Other nominees were the Oberon Tigers Junior and Senior Rugby League Can Assist Day, The Malachi Revival weekend, St Joseph’s Spring Fete and Oberon Community Night.
Volunteer or Volunteer Group Award went to Wayne Maher, Katie Maher, Wayne White and Wayne Barker for their organisation of the Oberon Community Night of Pacing. Other nominees were Craig Gibbons, St Joseph’s School P and F, Debbie Christie Johnston, Oberon Rotary and Live Better.
