Long-time volunteer Molong's Citizen of the Year

AUSTRALIA Day was a casual affair in Molong on Saturday when around 150 people gathered at the town’s recreational ground to mark the event.

It was one of nine events held across Cabonne Council, with many in Molong bringing along a picnic chair and a hat to ward off the hot weather.

The event kicked off with a dance display followed by members of the Molong Players theatre team singing the Australian national anthem.

Mayor Ian Gosper,   Australia Day ambassador Countess Natalie von Faber-Castell, and Cabonne’s 2013 youth ambassador Sarah White each addressed the crowd.

Among the Australia Day awards given out in Molong were Citizen of the Year to Maureen Kirkwood, a long-time volunteer, Country Women’s Association member and treasurer of the Molong Historical Society.

“She is a woman with deep convictions to help others,” Mr Gosper said.

Molong Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Jessica Fahey.

“Jessica is a person of honesty and integrity and her engaging, enthusiastic, cheerful personality is appreciated by staff and students alike,” Mr Gosper said.

“Jess is an outstanding individual and has proved herself countless times in the community, in the workforce and in the classroom.”

Molong Community Group of the Year was awarded to the Molong Advancement Group.

Mr Gosper said the hard-working group had been involved in a number of activities over the last year including the Balloon Glow, Molong Gasometer and Meet You In Molong motorcycle safety day.

Also presented with awards at Molong event were Borenore/Nashdale Citizen of the Year Peter Darley and their Community Group of the Year the Borenore/Nashdale Country Women’s Association.

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