Aileen MacDonald is Guyra’s Citizen of the Year for 2019 – and her first duty was to raise the Australian flag at a ceremony in Rotary Park this morning.
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Mrs MacDonald received the award at a dinner at the Bowling and Recreation Club last night.
She was recognised for her roles as a member of the Armidale Regional Council’s Growth Committee, and past President of the Guyra & District Chamber of Commerce.
The 2018 Guyra Citizen of the Year, Dot Vickery, presented the award to Mrs MacDonald.
“I feel overwhelmed and very humbled,” Mrs MacDonald said.
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Mrs MacDonald has been a strong advocate for economic development in the Guyra district, including expanding the area’s horticulture industry.
During Mrs MacDonald’s three years as president of the Chamber of Commerce, the organization formed the Armidale Guyra Business Alliance with the Armidale Business Chamber and Locals 4 Locals.
It auspiced the Guyra Troutfest, held Christmas parties in the main street and ‘Welcome to Guyra’ events, and participated in the Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival.
It also advocated for the Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline, and for the New England Rail Trail.
Under her, the Chamber was a finalist in the New England North West Business Chamber Regional Awards for ‘Chamber of the Year’ for two years running.
Mrs MacDonald was a leading campaigner for the Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline and improvements to Mother of Ducks Lagoon, and has sowed the seeds for a New England Rail Trail.
Her two terms as President of the Rotary Club of Guyra brought many successes to the club, and she served a term as secretary of Rotary District 9650.
Also nominated were Martha Weiderman, Jan Day, Heather Starr, Gwyneth Pearson, and Jim Betts.
Bronte Stanley was named Young Citizen of the Year. The Guyra Central School captain organised a very successful Mental Health Day for the students, earned a place at the National Youth Science Forum, and has excelled in swimming and the arts.
Russell Roberts received the award for Community Service. The Ben Lomond Landcare and Rural Fire Service volunteer played a pivotal role in the inaugural Winter Fair, and is a foundation member of the StarGrazing event.
Kathleen Lorraine Varley was recognised for Long-Standing Service, including 10 years as Guyra Show Society Secretary, foundation member of the Kolora Aged Care Facility committee, Guyra Ladies Golf Club president, and Catholic Church Finance Committee member.
Painters Kay Smith and Brian Irving received the award for Arts and Culture. They co-ordinated the TroutFest Art Show, and provided a lot of advice to young artists.
Braydon Cameron is Guyra’s Sportsperson. The 16-year-old was a member of the Under 19 side that finished runner-up at the Sire Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament in Barbados. He trained at the Central Northern NSW Academy for cricket, coached a number of junior teams, and scored 228 not out at an Open schools cricket tournament.
Jason Campbell and Luke Blyton were recognised for their Contribution to Sport. They coached the Guyra 12s rugby league team with great success in the Group 19 competition. The team achieved the season’s highest points tally, claimed the Best and Fairest player prize, and demonstrated great sportsmanship.
Passion on the Platform was the Community Event of the Year. The Guyra & District Chamber of Commerce event attracted more than 100 people for a seven-course degustation at Guyra Train Station. The sold-out event shone a spotlight on local food producers.
Celebrated rugby commentator Gordon Bray AM was on hand to present the awards.
“An ordinary person with sufficient motivation can achieve challenging goals,” Mr Bray said. “People do not decide to become extraordinary; they just decide to accomplish extraordinary things.”
He said it was a privilege to attend Australia Day in Guyra, particularly during the Lamb and Potato Festival.
“Country people are real people, and that’s why I love coming here on Australia Day,” he said. He praised their sense, balance, and mutual respect – qualities that made Australia a great nation.
“Let's stand up against the vocal minorities who are trying to alter the opinions of the majority, and let's all stick together and embrace each other, from our original owners right through to our latest immigrants.
“Let's embrace each other, and have the common sense and respect and objectivity and balance, because that's what Australia is all about. And never stop dreaming and aspiring.”
