Australia Day recognitions in Wellington

ALONGSIDE Australia Day celebrations, Dubbo Regional Council acknowledged the importance of selected individuals who have enhanced the Wellington Community.

Awarded 2022 Citizen of the Year, Lisa Thomas is the current president of Wellington Arts and has held the position for five years.

In the role, Lisa oversees multiple events which provide avenues for community participation with an emphasis on inclusivity for the entire community.

Lisa’s focus is to celebrate Wellington and its community with respecting cultural history.

Wellington Arts has grown into a vibrant volunteer organisation as it provides a wide range of arts-related events and activities for the local community.

Through the challenges of COVID-19, Lisa has guided the organisation with successful events held throughout the year including the Community Event of the Year, Art Trail as well as the Australian Threatened Species art competition, and the Portrait Artist of the Year.

Established last year, the Wellington Arts Gallery promotes the work of Wellington artists to locals and tourists.

Nyasa Holmes has been recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year through her dedicated volunteer work for the Dubbo community of over 50 years.

Nyasa dedicated her tireless hours for multiple organisations alongside her 30-year nursing career.

Council has awarded five people with the Community Service Award including Doug Morley, Penny Cook, Ian Darney, Pip Smith and Cathy Donnelly.

The citizens awarded have all volunteered in various organisations and contributed immensely to Wellington.

Council has acknowledged Josie Clarke’s contribution to touch football as being named 2022 Young Sportsperson of the Year.

Josie has been involved with touch football within Wellington and the region for over a decade.

Over the years she has been recruited to play in multiple state and national competitions.

This year, Josie has been selected into the SUNS Women’s premier team to play at the National Touch League Championships in March in Coffs Harbour.

Katherine Bell-pitomac has been recognised as 2022 Sportsperson of the Year in acknowledgement of her successful riding career.

In March 2021, Katherine won the Country Championship in Mudgee.

Throughout her riding career, Katherine had to overcome many injuries such as breaking her back in three various places.

Through great strengths and courage, Katherine continues to ride most mornings at Wellington racecourse.

Each individual who has been recognised by council has demonstrated continuous support and dedication to Wellington.