Congratulations to Canowindra’s 2022 Australia Day Award recipients: Citizen Of The Year Robert Pearce; Community Group Of The Year Canowindra Lions Club (pictured: Club Vice President Darryl Fliedner and President Rodney Boatwood); Young Citizen Of The Year Claire Wright.
Two individuals and one charity organisation are the proud recipients of the 2022 Australia Day Awards.
Being awarded Young Citizen Of The Year is 2021 Canowindra High School Captain, Claire Wright. At the completion of her HSC, Claire would like to study Science with the aim to help farmers with sustainability practices on their land.
Claire was selected to participate in the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, where the program aims to educate students in Year 12 with a passion and interest in science and encourages them to pursue this field.
Claire was one of ten students accepted into the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue program in 2020 where she was mentored by Federal Member for Calare, Mr Andrew Gee MP. In December 2020, Mr Gee took to Parliament to speak about the people in his electorate, it was here that Mr Gee read a Constituency Statement that was written by Claire.
Claire was also accepted to represent the Central West as a Rural Youth Ambassador for Rural Inspire. As part of this program the Youth Ambassadors travelled to Parliament House where they presented their ideas to the Minister for Education, and the Minister for Youth and Employment.
Claire is an outstanding role model for her peers and younger students. Her quiet demeanour and respectful interactions with all members of the school community is highly valued.
The recipient of The Citizen Of The Year award is Robert Pearce (Rob). Rob came to Canowindra for a “tree change” having retired as a Partner of Price Waterhouse in Sydney.
Since his arrival in Canowindra Rob has volunteered his excellent financial skills and knowledge to numerous organisations in Canowindra since the early 90’s. All of Rob’s volunteering has been for free and additional advice offered or researched to ensure the best possible outcome. Rob was Treasurer of Martis Balloon Fiesta for three years.
For the past 7 years Rob has played a key role through his financial expertise with the Canowindra Baroquefest. Rob has been Secretary/Treasurer of the Rural Fire Service for 20 years. For 17 years Rob has volunteered at the Age Of Fishes Museum. Rob also donates his time and expertise with the Canowindra Golf Club.
Rob is honest, reliable and trust worthy. He is punctual, hardworking and generous of spirit. Rob is a quiet, unassuming gentleman who always puts his community first.
Taking the honours for The Community Group Of The Year is The Canowindra Lions Club. This charity organisation has played a key role in the community over many years.
They are one of the major fundraisers for Canowindra and are involved in many facets of the town’s activities. Each year they make large donations to local schools, charities and Ronald McDonald House Orange. They also provide BBQs at many events across the year. They run the Driver Reviver on public holidays and Food Basket most Fridays. All members do it with a positive attitude and happy smile.