CELEBRATING OUR NEW CITIZENS AND RECOGNISING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS

“It is the little things that make a big difference.” This is what drives Vicki Royer, winner of the Huon Valley Citizen of the Year Award, to make a contribution to her community.

The annual Huon Valley Council Australia Day Awards ceremony was held yesterday afternoon at The Franklin Palais, and in the morning, a special citizenship ceremony was held to welcome Huon Valley’s new Australian citizens.

Acting Mayor Sally Doyle said there are many people in the Huon Valley who make a real difference to their communities and to the people who live in them.

“Their contributions have added to the vibrancy and prosperity of our community. Their drive and passion are inspiring and motivating.”

For all the information please see our media release with all the details of both events.

The 2022 Australia Day Award winners were:

• Vicki Royer, Huon Valley Citizen of the Year Award, recognising her incredible contribution to the Huon Valley community and promoting strong community values.

• Lydia Eastley, Special Commendation, recognising her contributions and achievements to the Dover community.

• Barbara Dawson, Special Commendation, recognising her contributions and achievements she has made to the Franklin community and The Franklin Palais

• Jason and Sammy Kluga, Special Commendation, recognising the contributions they both have made to women’s sport and the Port Cygnet Women’s Football Team

• Cristian Mendoza, Huon Valley Sports Award, recognising his commitment to supporting, playing, promoting and encouraging sporting activities in the Huon Valley, particularly in Dover

• The Cygnet Community Hub (Mez Newman and Cate Warren), Huon Valley Community Group of the Year Award, recognising its outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of the Huon Valley community

From the age of 13, Vicki has been contributing to her community in various ways. She paid tribute to her mother for instilling in her a desire to help others.

Her efforts with Relay for Life have led her to raise over $14,500 and she’s been recognised by Cancer Council as one of the top fundraisers.

Vicki says she’s never been one to sit on the sidelines and just watch. Getting involved and participating is her hobby. “I have found my talent is pulling things together. So long as I have people around me to help, I have found that we can make a big difference.”

Cr Doyle said the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony were usually combined but Council made the decision to hold the events separately to ensure the safety of those attending among the COVID environment.

“Despite them being held as separate events there was immense pleasure in welcoming our newest citizens in the morning and celebrating in the afternoon those who have devoted a lot of time and energy into making a positive difference.

“Our conferees originated from countries around the world including Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, New Zealand, China and the United States of America. By choosing to call the Huon Valley home, our newest citizens make a huge contribution in making our community the vibrant, healthy, resilient, and culturally rich place.”

The citizens were presented with a 2022 Australian Citizenship coin and small gift.