Vibrant events in three local communities

By Contributed

Jan 29, 2025

Mayor Ruth McRae OAM with Tania Roe after being named the Jerilderie Citizen of the Year.

Australia Day celebrations were in full swing across the Murrumbidgee Council area, with vibrant events held in Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.

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Ceremonies were held in each town to recognise the dedication and outstanding efforts of individuals and groups in the community.

Mayor Ruth McRae said she was very pleased to attend each ceremony and reflected on the exceptional efforts of the award recipients and the strong sense of community spirit.

“It’s a privilege to join with the community to celebrate the incredible people and community groups who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them,” she said.

Cr McRae congratulated the award recipients and nominees.

“Their contributions are truly inspiring and the impact they have made on our communities is impressive. Their selfless dedication continues to make Murrumbidgee a better place to live, play and work.”

This year’s celebrations were made even more special by the presence of Australia Day Ambassador Lana Masterson, who attended the events at Coleambally and Darlington Point.

Mrs Masterson delivered inspiring addresses at each ceremony, reflecting on the importance of community, service and shared values and her experiences as CEO of the innovative youth program, Down The Track.

The three Citizen of the Year recipients were:

Jerilderie – Tania Roe - In 2023 Murrumbidgee Council launched its New Residents Guide and Tania is Jerilderie’s designated ambassador, a role created to be the first point of call for new residents.

Her warm and engaging personality makes new residents feel included, welcomed and valued.

She 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 praised her 110 per cent commitment to her work, with her bubbly, friendly and caring nature.

Coleambally – Monica Whelan - Described as a key figure in the Coleambally community for many years, contributing significantly to its growth and development.

She played a pivotal role in establishing the local pre-school, served on the St Peter’s School Board and Parents and Friends Association, and coordinated the Coleambally Football Netball Club canteen.

Monica has been a board member of Cypress View Lodge since 2020 and became chairperson in January 2024. In this role, she has committed extensive time to supporting residents, staff, and management, while overseeing strategic planning and maintaining close ties with the clinical operations team.

She has been a member of the Country Education Foundation for several years and last year became treasurer.

Monica has also played a central role in establishing the Community Garden Project, securing multiple grants to support its operations, which focus on helping individuals with disabilities develop valuable skills.

The gathering was told Monica’s tireless commitment continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the Coleambally community, shaping its future in meaningful ways.

Darlington Point – Shaun Roche - Darlington Point Citizen of the Year was awarded to Shaun Roche, who has been involved with Darlington Point Coleambally Apex for a number of years and has been involved in the Riverina Classic Fishing Competition since it began more than 10 years ago, most of that time as president.

Since 2014 it has donated more than $200,000 to various local charity groups and released more than 80,000 fingerlings into the Murrumbidgee River.

All the committee members are also engaged in the Outreach’s Mate Keeper program. Shaun is a great advocate for the program and any mental health initiatives.

He has sponsored many local charity events and is always willing to help any organisation in our area.

He was also instrumental in the work behind the scenes to achieve the new boat ramp in Darlington Point.

The list of other award winners, as well as their corresponding awards and town are below.

Darlington Point -

Young Citizen of the Year – Isabella Feltham

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Mia Honeyman

Sporting Team of the Year – DCPRL First Grade

Event/Group Achievement of the Year – Darlington Point Public School

Coleambally -

Lifetime Achievement – Leslie Robinson

Junior Citizen of the Year - Regan Cullen

Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year (12 years and under) - Haddie Groves