The very proud Bergin family - Katie, Will, Sean award winner Hugh.
A cheeky flock of Correllas and the occasional boatload of happy venturers both on and in the river created a delightful setting for the annual community barbecue at Australia Day celebrations in Wahgunyah.
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It wasn't long before the distinctive aroma of barbecued onions and sausages filled the air at the beautifully presented Willows Recreation Reserve.
Guests enjoyed a short address by former Indigo Shire Deputy Mayor Bernie Gaffney who acknowledged both Alan Pleitner and Wes Canny as previous Citizens of the Year. It was interesting to hear that the Wahgunyah Progress Association, the hosts of the day, was established way back in 1912.
Chair of the Wahgunyah Progress Association Wes Canny opening the celebrations
The highlight of the day was the announcement that the Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year was in fact a Wahgunyah resident. While a student at the Wahgunyah Primary School, and at just 10 years of age at the time, young Hugh Bergin established a fundraising initiative called Racquets Against Breast Cancer after a close family member was impacted by this insidious disease.
His first event, last year, raised $2,700 and he has gone on to expand his tennis tournament to include participation and sponsorship into Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta and Corryong in support of the Cancer Council of Australia.
“Hugh's family, friends and community members are justifiably proud of this young man who co-ordinates every aspect of his project while being equally committed to his studies and sport,” Cr Roberta Horne said.
“His strong organisational skills will stand him in good stead as he goes on to senior school - a leader in the making for sure.”
Hugh was shocked to hear that he’d firstly been nominated, and then awarded Young Citizen of the Year, saying he heard the news as he’d finished cheering for a winning point at the Australian Open.
“It was so amazing to hear that I actually won. I was so surprised. We’d been cheering about a winning point at the tennis and then my Mum told me, and I was like “OH MY GOSH!” he said.
“My grandma sadly passed away from breast cancer so I thought to myself, why don’t I do something to help raise money for research? I love tennis so I just thought, let’s run a tennis tournament. I’ve had so much support, it’s amazing.”
Hugh said anyone interested in giving back to their community should find something they like and channel interest into volunteering or strengthening your community.
Indigo Mayor Sophie Price was also thrilled about the shire’s top junior citizen. “Hugh is an impressive and inspiring community member who at a very young age has own leadership, initiative and enthusiasm for helping others, and bringing the community together,” she said.
“I don’t think there’s many of us who haven’t been touched by cancer in some way, so it is an honour to recognise Hugh, who at just 11 years old, has shown incredible dedication to raising awareness and vital funds to find a cure.”
