Australia Day Celebrations

January 30, 2025

Oberon got together at the Community Centre to celebrate Australia Day. It all started with morning tea and some music from the ukulele players from the University of the Third Age (U3A).

Yes, the sign says 2024, but Oberon Matters can only be in one place at once. But there were lamingtons!!!

The day started with Mayor Andrew McKibbin welcoming everyone and performing an Acknowledgment of Country, followed by the awarding of Australian Citizenship to Iffat Zaman who was presented with the traditional native plant by Sue Yates from Oberon Rotary.

The 2024 Citizen of the Year, Wayne Barker, was then invited to unfurl the Australian Flag.

The audience then stood as Lyn Hancox sang the National Anthem.

To keep the formalities going the audience was then addressed by the Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, and Oberon's Australia Day Ambassador, Angus Olsen.

Angus Olsen's daughter, Jane, was two when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. While Angus sat at his daughter's bedside during her weeks of chemotherapy and surgery, he began drawing about her procedures to make sense of it. The former Disney artist now creates artworks and books in simple language to help children better understand their cancer treatment. He's produced more than 20 books, which have been translated into 24 languages. His books and artworks have been accessed by people in 102 countries. In 2020 Angus also made a series of comics that illustrated the similarities between lockdown and what children with cancer face all the time. Angus has teamed with several charities to create resources and raise funds for childhood cancer research. He makes no profit from his illustrations. Every one of his images can be accessed free from his website idrawchildhoodcancer.com and social media pages.

And on to the awards.

Sportsperson of the Year - Max Meredith

Max couldn't be there on the day (he was in Tamworth winning things),
so here is a photo of him practising at home.

Max's passion for bull riding started at the local Oberon Rodeo and since he began competing has continued to grow and improve through each competition. In 2024 Max had the opportunity to return to America for a second year running to represent Australia in the Under l4 years bull ride. The competition ran for 11 days and during this time he earned enough points to get his ranking to 4th Junior Bull Rider in the World. Max is currently ranked number 1 in Australia and has also had the opportunity to compete in Queensland and Western Australia. Max rides most weekends in rodeos and is also a junior member of the Oberon Rodeo Committee.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Caley McKellar

Caley is just 12 years old and has already shown that commitment, dedication and a love of competing in sport can achieve many rewards. During 2024 she achieved national level in horse sports and state level for hockey.

She qualified for the National Pony Race and raced at Royal Randwick on all aged stakes day in April achieving 6th place. She qualified for the race by coming second in the NSW qualifying leg racing on Australia Day 2024. Over the last two years Caley has competed in many gymkhanas, shows and competitions and has been very successful, often competing against riders of all ages.

Caley has also been successful in hockey being selected in the 2024 Bathurst District Under 12s Team which won the State Championships in Tamworth. Caley was awarded the coaches award for her skill and teamwork. She was also announced Best and Fairest for the Oberon Junior Hockey Club Under 13s in 2023 and 2024.

Her love of sport has also seen her represent O'Connell Public School and Bathurst Small Schools in Swimming, Athletics, Soccer and Touch Football.

Sports Team of the Year - United Football Club's Senior Women's Team

The Oberon United Football Club Senior Women's Team won the Women's 3rd Division Competition in 2024. In 2023 the team played together with a lot of junior players filling in and only managed to achieve a few wins. In 2024 the same group of women came together and remained undefeated all season before taking out the Grand Final in a nail biting penalty shoot out decider. The team have shown amazing team work and friendship throughout the year which has contributed to their ultimate success. Team members are:

• Tiarna Boundy
• Eliza Cook
• Paige Corby
• Raelene Corby
• Ebony Howard
• Taya Jones
• Shae McKinnon
• Vicki McKinnon
• Jade Memory
• Tahlia Nugent
• Kylie Provest
• Cassandra Ramires
• Emma Randle
• Serinity Saville
• Jorja Taylor
• Bethany Wilkinson
• The team Coach was Brad McKinnon and Team Manager Paige Corby

Community Event of the Year - Oberon Tigers Can Assist Round

Each year the Oberon Tigers Junior and Senior League combine to hold the Can Assist Round. In 2024 the event was again bigger and better. The organising committee arranged a home game with all Oberon teams participating followed by the Can Assist Auction. The event, now in its 14th year, has increased its fundraising each year. Members of the community come together at the end of the football games to attend the Jersey Auction followed by a night of entertainment. The auction has expanded in recent years to incorporate hampers and other donated goods. The 2024 event again broke the previous fundraising record, raising $65,310. All funds raised go towards assisting members of the local community who are battling cancer.

Environmental Champion of the Year - Friends of the Oberon Library - Book Nook

The Friends of Oberon Library [FOOLs] have shown unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and community enrichment. For over 15 years this committed group has raised funds for the Oberon Library through the collection, recycling, and sale of preloved resources, including books, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles. Their efforts have prevented thousands of items from ending up in landfill, instead finding new homes and serving the community. In late 2023, FOOLs proposed and established the Book Nook in the old Community Center, a permanent space now open twice weekly and embraced by both locals and visitors. Staffed entirely by FOOLs volunteers, the Book Nook has raised nearly $3,000 in the past year, representing over 3,000 items rescued and repurposed. Many of these items are donated back for resale, extending their lifecycle and reinforcing FOOLs' commitment to "reduce, reuse, recycle." FOOLs have also been instrumental in introducing Waste 2 Art to the Oberon community in 2011, championing creative approaches to environmental stewardship. Their tireless efforts not only protect the environment but also foster a culture of sustainability and connection within Oberon.

Volunteer of the Year - Michelle Swaan

Michelle is a committed volunteer working across a number of community groups and organisations in the Black Springs area. She has been a long term member of the Black Springs Public School P & C and joined the Black Springs Rural Fire Brigade in 2008. During her time with the Brigade she has held a number of roles before being appointed as Captain from 2019 to 2023. Michelle has also been a member of the Black Springs Community Association (formerly the Black Springs Progress Association) since 2001 and has held the position of Secretary for many years. During this time Michelle has assisted with numerous fundraising event and has played a large role in advocating for better mobile connectivity for the Black Springs community. She is currently part of the group who are working with a landscape architect and liaising with the local community to develop a master plan for the Black Springs area. She has also been a member of the Black Springs Community Hall Committee since it formed and actively advocates for development and upgrades for the facility. Michelle's hard work and dedication to community is widely known and recognised by the Black Springs community.

Volunteer Group of the Year - Oberon Men's Shed

Established in 2009, Oberon Men's Shed has grown into a vital hub for local men, enabling community connections, meaningful engagement and improved wellbeing for blokes within the Oberon community. With a consistent membership of 25-30 men aged 18 to 88 from diverse backgrounds, including young professionals, retirees and aged-care residents, the Shed offers a welcoming and informal space for social interaction, creative pursuits and support networks.

The Shed provides a range of activities to promote camaraderie and purpose, including woodworking, gardening, bicycle repairs, health discussions and excursions. Tuesdays serve as the main social day where members gather for hearty meals, endless cups of coffee and lively conversation. Other weekdays focus on hands-on projects., including small community repair jobs, furniture and tool sales and fundraising raffles.

By encouraging open communication and fostering a sense of belonging, the Shed empowers its members to thrive during retirement, loss or hardship. As part of the Australian Men's Sheds Association which boasts over 1,200 sheds globally, Oberon Men's Shed plays an integral role in addressing men's health and wellbeing through friendship and activity. The Shed's impact is reflected in its vibrant Facebook page, documenting weekly activities and community contributions. The Oberon Men's Shed is a true safe place for all men who live in Oberon and the surrounding areas.

Young Citizen of the Year - Christopher Dunbar

Chris started working at aged 14, firstly with Oberon Foodworks and then for a short time with Oberon Bearers. He has a wonderful work ethic and made the decision to go back to Foodworks where he has been promoted to the role of Store Manager. During his time at Foodworks Chris has mentored and trained numerous staff and has a good depth of knowledge within the business. He has gone above and beyond, especially assisting junior staff by collecting them and safely getting them to work and home again. The interaction with customers is a great strength and many see Chris go above and beyond to help. As well as the exceptional professional capacity he has with suppliers and company representatives, Chris has had a long term passion for soccer and has played since aged 4. He played for Oberon, Western Mariners, Eglington 1st grade and Abercrombie 1st Grade. Chris also played indoor soccer for Bathurst. He has also played Rugby League for Oberon as well as being actively participating with the Oberon Squash Club. Chris is always helpful, attentive and is an asset to his family, friends and work colleagues.

Organisers' Special Award - Bree Rowlandson

This award is made by the Australia Day organising committee to recogniose someone who was nominated for an award but didn't win.

Bree Rowlandson has been a member of the Oberon Rodeo Association for over 10 years. Her dedication to local events particularly her role in organising the Oberon Rodeo and Oberon Bull Futurity has bought significant benefit to the Oberon community. The Oberon Rodeo has become a cornerstone of the annual events calendar, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. The introduction of the Oberon Bull Futurity in more recent years has seen the rodeo events grow each year. Last year Bree was a vital part of the organising committee to bring an Optimal Performance Academy to Oberon. The Academy attracted participants from across Australia as well as international riders from the United States. Bree is also a Board Member and Treasurer of the Oberon Show Ground Land Managers which is responsible for the maintenance and running of the Oberon Show Ground. She has been instrumental in seeking funding for improvements at the Oberon Showground which benefits all users and the wider community.

The big one - Citizen of the Year - Peter Ryan

Peter has been a member of the Oberon Fire Brigade for 60 years after joining the Brigade in 1954 when he was just 16 years of age. Up until his retirement from the Brigade in August 2024, Peter had maintained an active role in the Brigade. He has made a significant impact on the Oberon Brigade as a mentor and support for the younger members. In particular when the Brigade were required to attend a difficult job he would always be the first to reach out and debrief with the crew and make sure his fellow firefighters were doing okay. He has always been very mindful of everyone’s mental health. His local knowledge and relationships were also a key part of his success and longevity in his service to the Oberon Community, Peter has won a considerable number of awards during his time including the National Medal in 1983. Peter was recognised again by Fire and Rescue NSW [FRNSW] in his 6Oth year, receiving a second gold clasp to the NSW Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and a certificate for an Acknowledgment of Service, presented in May of 2024 by Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, Peter's dedication to service and his loyalty to protecting his community is outstanding. Peter will go down in history as one of the longest serving firefighters in FRNSW history.

Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees. This is what community is all about

The words attached to each award above were scanned from the official program.

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