Wingecarribee Shire’s top citizens announced
Passionate Aboriginal Culture awareness educator Aunty Wendy Lotter has been named Wingecarribee Shire’s 2018 Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
For over 25 years, Wendy has shared her Aboriginal culture and knowledge to help improve relations between non-indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aunty Wendy is the Program Director of Platypus Dreamin’ Aboriginal Educational Programs and Deputy Chairperson of Wingecarribee Reconciliation Group Inc, and through these roles has helped make significant contributions towards advancing reconciliation in the Southern Highlands.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to William Koek.
The 17 year old Bowral High School Prefect was nominated for his commitment to community and assistance to people in need.
As 2017/18 President of the Bowral High School Interact Club, William embodies the Rotary ethos by demonstrating leadership skills and a passion for service to his school and the wider community.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Ken Halstead congratulated both recipients saying they were shining examples of the Southern Highlands community spirit.
“We are very lucky to have such dedicated, hardworking and compassionate people in our Shire,” he said.
“There is no doubt our Shire is a better place as a result of their selfless contributions.”
“The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity for Council to recognise those residents who continue to work for the betterment of our community,” the Mayor added.
“Choosing just two recipients from such a wonderful selection of nominees was a truly difficult task.”
Both recipients will be presented with their awards during Wingecarribee Shire’s Australia Day celebrations at Berrima on Friday 26 January starting from 9.30am.