Australia Day was celebrated in Jerilderie with a range of activities including pool volleyball, then an afternoon Respect and Hope event to celebrate local Indigenous culture and community spirit.
The Australia Day awards ceremony was complemented by entertainment and fireworks.
In announcing Citizen of the Year, the gathering was told Tania Roe has spent many years involved in the community she loves.
She is involvement in many and varied organisations, including:
Jerilderie Football Netball Club – A past player and supporter. She has held the position of canteen coordinator and is currently a member of the bar staff.
Jerilderie Tidy Towns Committee – Member of the committee, who brings to the group her dedication, energy and innovative ideas for the town’s future.
Jerilderie Men’s Shed – Enables residents of the Jerilderie MPS to visit the members of the Men’s Shed, providing important social interaction, banter and camaraderie.
Jerilderie CWA – Again, she ensures that CWA members who are residents in the MPS can continue to attend meetings, get togethers and events organised by the association.
St Joseph’s Primary School – A tireless advocate for the school and its students. A hands-on parent during her children’s school years, involved in fundraising and working bees, including co-ordinator for the Debutante Ball.
Tania Roe gives freely of her time to the Jerilderie Hospital Auxiliary, cooking for street stalls and running raffles to raise funds for the residents in the MPS, taking residents to concerts, lunches and on many outings, which provides them with so much pleasure.
Tania works for Murrumbidgee Local Health District, which has praise her 110 per cent commitment to her work, with her bubbly, friendly and caring nature.
Sportsperson of the Year – Craig Knight
Craig has a long history of connection to many sporting clubs, including Jerilderie Football Netball Club where he was a junior and senior footballer over many years.
Off field, his contributions are of greater significance as the club’s head trainer for four football teams and occasional strapper for a netballer or two. To keep his trainer skills current, it is essential that ongoing courses are attended, and he shares his learning with other club members to enable them to upskill. He also marks the field for game days and is a committee member.
He has been part of Jerilderie Aquatic Club since 1977, including as president for nine years and various other committee positions.
He volunteers to line-mark Monash Park oval for school athletics carnivals and drives the Willawa bus, transporting children to curricular and extracurricular activities. He is a former president and active member of the Jerilderie Public School P&C Association, has a passion for racing model power boats, and travels near and far to pursue this sport.
Little Aussie Awards:
St Joseph’s Primary School - Lexie Bryce.
A compassionate and caring student, Lexie demonstrates an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the school and local community. She leads by example, and ensures the school is a welcoming and inclusive place for all students. A talented musician, with ability to sing and play two instruments, her musical talents were showcased recently at the School Extravaganza. In the classroom, she consistently gives her best effort, approaching every task with a positive attitude, a willingness to take risks in learning, and is not afraid to challenge herself. As school captain in 2024, she demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, serving as a role model to her peers.
Jerilderie Public School – Hamza Swaid.
A motivated and diligent student, Hamza approaches his school day with quiet enthusiasm. He is a dedicated and curious class member. His thirst for knowledge, and aspiration to do well, contribute positively to both the classroom and school environment. He has the ability to work both independently and in group situations, taking the initiative, while respecting the rights and input of others. He leads by example and encourages his peers to do their best and treat each other with fairness and respect. As school captain in 2024, he was a trustworthy and responsible leader, stepping up to confidently take on the tasks associated with the role, performing his duties with maturity, positivity and sound judgement.
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