Community heroes recognised with awards
Wednesday January 27, 2010
Australia Day award winners: Ambassador Gary Dawson with Tom Shanahan (Young Citizen of the Year) and Tony Punzet (Citizen of the Year) with deputy mayor Greg Martin.
Cobar celebrated yesterday with annual Australia Day activities, as those who have made major contributions to the local community were recognised with awards.
Tony Punzet was named Cobar’s Citizen of the Year for his ongoing charitable efforts, while Tom Shanahan’s volunteer assistance at a number of events has earned him the title of Young Citizen of the Year.
Cobar Rugby Club’s inaugural Rugby 10s Competition and Rodeo was named the community event of the year, while the Bossie Mitchell Award for Service to the Community was given to Sharon Harland.
Sports award winners included Wade Potter (Sportsperson of the Year), Tony Moore (Services to Sport Award) and Tilly Power (Kerrigundi Award).
Mr Punzet received his award for dedicating more than 20 years to volunteer organisations in Cobar including Apex Club, the Brennan Centre, Kubby House and the Masonic Lodge.
Mr Punzet suffered a stroke in 2008 but managed to continue his volunteer work, joining St John Ambulance and later giving his time as a volunteer driver for Home Care under the Community Driver’s Scheme.
At just 14 years old, Tom Shanahan’s expertise in music, lighting and sound effects has already helped ensure the success of a number of local productions.
Tom volunteered his time and skills for the local production of Anastasia—The Russian Princess as well as the PP Charity Fundraiser event for Dean Botten in 2009.
Sharon Harland’s exhausting schedule of community work over the past year has earned her the Bossie Mitchell Services to the Community Award.
Her involvement in events included the PP Charity Fundraiser, St John’s P&C Mature Age Debutante Ball, Cobar Public School Spring Fair, Anastasia—The Russian Princess, Cobar Rugby Union Club, junior and senior sporting organisations, Cobar Enterprise Facilitation committee, Cobar Business Association and more, in 2009 alone.
Cobar Rugby 10s Competition and Rodeo won the Community Event of the Year award after bringing numerous visitors to town, raising money for charity and promoting Cobar.
The efforts of many volunteers ensured it was a successful event, which is set to grow in years to come.
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