Alan McFarland takes out top gong as community legends recognised in Katanning on Australia Day

The Katanning Community came together as one on Friday to mark Australia Day with a celebration at Lions Park. Festivities kicked off with a community breakfast before the presentation of awards at 8.30am and a special address from Australia Day Ambassador Conrad Liveris. “Australia Day awards are held to recognise outstanding individuals and groups who continuously strive to make our community a better place for those who live, work and visit our special part of the world,” Katanning shire president Kristy D’Aprile said. “This year’s awards acknowledge the unsung heroes of our community who through their contributions make Katanning a better place. “These individuals and organisations offer outstanding service each day and enable our community to be stronger as a result of their tireless efforts.” The Katanning Citizen of the Year award was presented to local legend Alan McFarland for his commitment to leadership and community volunteer work. Mr McFarland has served Katanning in many roles including Rotary Club president, Katanning Regional Business Association board member, Katanning Club committee member and Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Member. “Alan is often at the coalface of a community event, running a sausage sizzle, serving in a food van,” Cr D’Aprile said. “Alan is the classic example of Benjamin Franklin’s adage ‘if you want something done — find a busy person’. The Senior Citizen of the Year recipient was Barbara Groves. Like Mr McFarland, Ms Groves is an integral part of the Great Southern community with a history of volunteering dating back more than 50 years. “Barb sets an example to younger people on the importance of volunteering and supporting her community and is always happy to chat to members of the public about the vital role St John volunteers play in their community,” Cr D’Aprile said. “Barb is a team player and strong advocate for various other not-for-profit organisations in and around her community, working with and helping each other out. “She is friendly, welcoming, and endeavours to provide a positive experience for all volunteers.” Katanning Scout Group were awarded Katanning’s 2024 active citizenship group award for providing decades of fun and engagement for the town’s youth through camps, activities and adventure. The final award, the 2024 Community Long Service Award, was presented to Barry Kowald. Another active community stalwart, Mr Kowald received the award in recognition of his emergency service work and Cr D’Aprile congratulated him on receiving the honour. “Barry has been a long-serving member of his local Brigade, Carrolup and has mentored multiple generations of bush fire volunteers throughout the shire,” she said. “His leadership has included attendance at numerous incidents in Katanning and adjoining shires and was a vital part of the response during the Katanning fire of 2020. “Barry has led by example in his farming practices and has encouraged his peers to be better prepared for Bushfires through investment in larger and more efficient firefighting equipment.”