Katanning stalwarts recognised for dedication to community

The Katanning community gathered to welcome a new Aussie and celebrate the town’s citizens of the year over a cooked breakfast on Sunday.

The Australia Day breakfast, held at Lions Park, was hailed a success by the event’s MC and Shire of Katanning president Liz Guidera.

The event started with a citizenship ceremony, in which Danielle Quinn stood up before her friends, family and community to pledge her loyalty to Australia.

This was followed by the affirmation ceremony and finally the Citizen of the Year awards.

As recognition for his outstanding service to the community, veteran volunteer Garry Wolfe was named the Shire’s citizen of the year.

“Garry's actions are a true reflection of his passion, commitment and tireless work he volunteers to the community and sporting groups of Katanning,” Ms Guidera said.

“For over 20 years Garry has been involved with many clubs, committees and organisations, taking on official positions and investing hours of time in roles of president, captain and manager.

“Through Garry’s community work he has taught and instilled a sense of pride and work ethic to many younger sporting enthusiasts, encouraging them to join committees and take on roles.”

Lawrance Severin received the senior citizen of the year award for his service to the Katanning Agricultural Society and Kobeelya Baptist Fellowship.

“Lawrance has been a long-time continuous active committee member of the Katanning Agricultural Society for the last 50 years and has been awarded a life membership for his valuable service,” Ms Guidera said.

“He has also spent countless hours over the last 30 years attending the Kobeeya gardens and helping keep the grounds neat and tidy — he's often been working at Kobeelya when no one else knows he is there.”

The youth citizen of the year award went to Chloe Why, who was praised by Ms Guidera for being a positive role model and her willingness to put her hand up.

“Chloe’s dedication to her passion for netball and working with children shines through with the countless hours spent volunteering for the Katanning Netball Association,” she said.

“She has volunteered for the past three years as a junior coach while also contributing her time to mentor young upcoming umpires, which has encouraged more young netballers to become engaged and participate.”

Concert in the Park received the active citizenship award for a group or event.

The free community concert started in 2017 with a handful of volunteers including Dom Pontillo, Doug Cherry, Rosemary McFarlane and Andy Blyth, and has become a much-anticipated annual event.

The Katanning community long service award was given to Trevor Watson, an active firefighter for the Katanning Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years and a captain for almost 25 years.

“Trevor goes above and beyond to support his fellow volunteers and the community,” Ms Guidera said.

“His compassion and dedication to the safety and wellbeing of brigade members, especially after potentially traumatic incidents, is admirable.

“The legacy of Trevor’s mentoring and leadership will continue to benefit members of the brigade and, in turn, the community, for many years to come.”

The Australia Day ceremony finished with a speech from the longest-serving former Shire of Katanning clerk and executive officer of the Australia Day Council, Trevor Ruland.

Australia Day ceremonies took place all over the region, including in nearby Wagin, where Mandy Harrington was named citizen of the year.

Wagin’s senior citizen of the year was Wendy Abbott, while suicide prevention ride 2 Wheels to Wagin was named the community event of the year.

Chesney Dawson was named Wagin’s sportsperson of the year award.