Murray names its top citizens

Two Murray River residents with a connection to the Deniliquin community have been recognised for their community roles.

Caldwell’s Kevin Barnes — who is involved with local organisations and the Caldwell Rural Fire Services — has been named the council area’s Citizen of the Year for 2022.

Mathoura resident and former Deniliquin student Dottie Wilson is the Young Citizen of the Year.

Other recipients announced by the council yesterday are:

● Young Sportsperson of the Year – Ryan Domaille (Tooleybuc).

● Sportsperson of the Year – Heath Moloney (Moulamein).

● Community Event of the Year – Echuca Moama Apex Club’s Sunday Session at Kerrabee Soundshell.

● Community Group of the Year – Moulamein Community Development Inc.

● Arts and Culture Award – The ACRE Project.

Mr Barnes was honoured for his outstanding contribution to various groups and organisations in the local area, most notably his unwavering commitment to the local Rural Fire Service.

His involvement as a firefighter started with the Caldwell Rural Fire Service in 1960, and he has been well known for his leadership and common-sense approach in the organisation ever since.

He has held the position of deputy captain, permit officer, senior deputy captain, training officer, brigade president, captain and group officer.

Mr Barnes’ efforts were also recognised when he received his 50 year long service award in 2010.

‘‘He is readily available for out-of-area deployments to areas including South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales,’’ his nomination read.

‘‘Notably, Kevin completed 11 deployments over the 2019/20 black summer campaign and has been awarded a Premier’s Citation for his efforts.

‘‘To all this, add his involvement in other groups including the Echuca Car Club, Deniliquin Car Club, Bunnaloo Wheat Growers, Caldwell Hall, Genealogy groups and NSW Farmers Federation — just to name a few.

‘‘His approach to his professional and community work cannot be faulted, with each job, no matter how big or small, being done to perfection.

‘‘Kevin is well-known to have his finger on the pulse of the local community and has shown a lifetime of dedication to family and community.’’

Dottie has been recognised in the awards for ‘‘being an amazing role model within the local area’’.

‘‘She has volunteered at several organisations and sporting clubs including the Deniliquin Little Athletics Club, where she coaches younger children and helps out wherever she can,’’ her nomination read.

‘‘She has also spent time volunteering at the Rockets in Echuca — an all-inclusive Auskick group where she helps children with disabilities develop not only their football skills but their communication and social skills too.

‘‘Aside from sporting clubs Dottie also volunteers with the Murray River Council Youth Engagement Program, where she works with a small group of youth in the community to come up with ideas and strategies to provide support for youth in our communities.

‘‘On top of that, she was one of five selected to be a part of the Dare to Dream Project, which is a joint initiative between the Murray River Council and Campaspe Shire.

‘‘The Dare to Dream project aims to identify problems that youth may be facing in the local area and developing strategies to make the community more inclusive for youth.

‘‘Involvement in this project is just the beginning for Dottie, who is excited to extend the inclusivity of youth in the area and expand the opportunities to give local youth a voice.’’

Murray River Council Mayor Cr Chris Bilkey said the Australia Day Awards acknowledged the achievements of individuals and groups who worked so tirelessly to make our community a better place during a difficult 12 months.

‘‘On behalf of Council, I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and congratulate this year’s award winners who are a shining example of how we can all have a positive impact in our community, no matter the circumstances,’’ he said.

‘‘There have been lots of people who have made some lasting contributions in the community during what has been another very testing year, and it is their efforts that add to the story of Murray River Council and make it such a great place to live.

‘‘These awards give us a chance to reflect on the resilience of communities and the spirit of helping, giving and supporting that defines us as Australians.’’

The 2022 recipients will be presented with their award at local Australia Day breakfasts on January 26.

More on the other award recipients in Friday’s edition.