Di Relf may have been a little stunned when she found out she had been nominated for Gloucester's Citizen of the Year, but she was absolutely shocked when she heard her name called out as the winner.
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She was in good company among the other nominees recognised for their commitment to the community at the Australia Day celebration on Tuesday, January 26 at the Gloucester Showground.
"It's a privilege and an honour," Di said, although she feels like she is only one of many volunteers who make a difference in town.
She was nominated for her selfless work with the Gloucester Community Shop, which sees all of its profits returned to community groups and organisations.
"I found there was a need here. So many groups are in need of assistance and there's not a lot of funding."
Additional community awards included at the ceremony were presented to Charles Tonks for Young Citizen of the Year, Gloucester Charities for Local Project of the Year and Gloucester Community Shop for Local Business of the Year.
Due to COVID regulations, the Australia Day event was moved from Billabong Park to the Gloucester Showground in order to help control the numbers and keep track of the attendees.
According to Gloucester Australia Day committee member Wendy Hughes around 300 people attended the event making it one of the largest turnouts ever.
The event kicked off with the official opening ceremony followed by the much-loved Aussie barbecue breakfast, enjoyed under the shade of the large pavilion.
Singers from Gloucester High School performed 'I am Australian' before the school's captains, Danielle Channon and Hayden Reid gave a speech about "vegemite" and "bogans" and what it means to them to be Australian.
Australia Day ambassador, Brain Beesley spoke to the crowd about the importance of volunteering for service clubs and tried to coin a new COVID phrase, 'optical handshake' involving a smile and a double wink.
Member for Upper Hunter, Michael Johnsen took his time at the podium to talk about the heart and soul of a community and the importance of mutual respect. He also announced over $40,000 in funding for the Gloucester Showground to install a new front gate and to bitumen the road.
More awards were handed out. The best dressed winners were: Mia Charles and Christopher Bolton for the juniors, and Doug Barron and Anne Webeck for the seniors. The best small business window display award went to the Majestic Family Store. And a stream of winners were named in the annual colouring-in competition which included the primary schools and a seniors category.
Federal Member for Lyne, David Gillespie also took a moment to address the crowd and wish everyone a happy Australia Day before the festivities concluded.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
