Published on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 10:54:13 AM
The 2022/23 Citizen of the Year Awards were announced at Saturday’s Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner in Denmark.
The 2022/23 Citizen of the Year is Mark Parre, who has spent more than 30 years volunteering with the Denmark Weed Action Group.
Mark was recognised for his contribution to the restoration, protection and preservation of the natural environment within the Shire of Denmark above and beyond his paid work as the Shire of Denmark’s Revegetation Officer. Mark has been involved in the revegetation of derelict sites and weed mitigation throughout Denmark and surrounds, sharing his infinite and unrivalled expertise in native plant propagation and seed collection and distribution with the community. Mark is an individual with a cause and passion very few possess, and the knowledge base of an even smaller number of individuals - a true Bushland Healer.
The 2022/23 Citizen of the Year – Senior award was presented to Bradley Kneebone.
Bradley has been active for the last twenty years in promoting the birdlife and biodiversity of the Wilson Inlet by undertaking studies and surveys, contributing extensively to the database of knowledge of the inlet and its birdlife.
He has dedicated the last nine years of his life to saving shore birds from extinction, founding the Denmark Bird Group. Bradley is a role model for all those who wish to bring about changes to the way we treat our environment.
The 2022/23 Citizen of the Year- Youth award was presented to Annabelle Adams.
Annabelle has been a committed member of the Volunteer Fire Service in Denmark after joining her school cadet program. She is an active volunteer who has completed all her training to enable her to attend the fire grounds and do her part when her community is in need. Annabelle has grown to be a valuable asset to her local and surrounding communities, and she continues to inspire other members of the volunteer fire service.
The 2022/23 Group Citizen of the Year award was presented to Denmark Village Theatre.
For 40 years, the Denmark Village Theatre has provided family entertainment to citizens and visitors to the town. The group presents the annual January pantomime and a Winter Warmer production as well as smaller presentations throughout the year. The hardworking members have been generous to many community groups and schools with their equipment and knowledge, most times given free of charge. The group provided $30,000 in cash and time to the upgrade of the Civic Centre in 2004, and has been instrumental in obtaining funds for the latest renovations.
Without the Denmark Village Theatre's contribution over four decades, the town's arts community would not be thriving the way it is today.
The 2022/23 Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 18 years of age) award was presented to Lucia Edwards and the 2022/23 Senior Sportsperson of the Year award was presented to Danielle Carne.
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