Community & Business
29 January, 2025
Towncrier's call from Dalveen to the Downs
Citizenship Awards ceremony
This year’s newly-placed Citizenship and Awards ceremony for the Southern Downs, held for the first time at Dalveen State School, between Warwick and Stanthorpe, was well-attended by a variety of ages under a bursting-at-the-seams celebratory marquee.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton offered context for the undertaking, explaining, “This year we mark 76 years since Australian citizenship was introduced into law, creating for the first time, a legal status of being uniquely Australian.”
She further confirmed that under the 1948 Citizenships Act, “all British subjects then living in Australia became Australian citizens for the first time,” describing Australia now as “one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world”.
“Since 1949 we have welcomed more than five million new Australian citizens to our shores,” Mayor Hamilton said, offering congratulations to those taking the pledge of citizenship on the Downs.
The local leader invited the Granite Belt Choir in the rendition of the national anthem and following, also encouraged all present to reaffirm their pledge as citizens.
Councillors Sheryl Windle, Joel Richters, Morwenna Harslett and Sarah Deane were also present and Mayor Hamilton had offered apologies for those other councillors who were attending other events.
Crs Richters and Harslett introduced Australian Paralympic swimmer, Matt Levy OAM as the event’s guest speaker and Australia Day Council’s Ambassador, as appointed by the National Australia Day Council.
“In 1987, Matt was born prematurely at just 25 weeks,” Cr Richters began. “He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, is legally blind, and has undergone an extraordinary 40 to 50 operations on his heart, lungs, ears, and even his brain. Despite these significant challenges, Matt has overcome countless barriers and has gone on to achieve remarkable success across multiple areas, representing Australia with pride and determination.”
Cr Harslett added: “As a swimmer, Matt has competed in five consecutive Paralympic Games, earning an impressive tally of three gold, one silver, and five bronze medals. Additionally, he has participated in five World Swimming Championships, securing 20 international medals and setting four World Records. Beyond his achievements in the pool, Matt is a multifaceted individual. He is a published author, a charity ambassador, a motivational speaker, and a tireless advocate for wellbeing and inclusivity in Australia and around the world.”
Mr Levy said it was a “privilege” to be in the region.
“I would like to reflect on what resilience means to me as an Australian and I believe are at the heart of what it means to be part of this incredible country,” he began. “I was born weighing only 600 grams and the start of my life was uncertain. These early challenges became the foundation of my character. They taught me perseverance and to work hard. Living with cerebral palsy and being legally blind has certainly had its challenges. I have learnt the value of resilience, the power of support and the importance of striving for excellence no matter what the odds.”
Mr Levy said he was inspired by watching other athletes at the Paralympics and “had the honour” of representing Australia on the world stage. He values most what sport taught him – "perseverance, teamwork, community".
“These values are what I see in the towns of the Southern Downs region, where the heart of the community beats strongest in its people,” Mr Levy said. “Australia Day is a time to celebrate who we are… and the hope to build a future for ourselves and generations to come.”
Ten new Australians were officially welcomed at the ceremony from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, India, and Germany.
Here are the awards announced by Southern Downs Regional Council -
· Citizens of the Year: Beatrice Hawkins and Sandy Venn Brown
· Junior Citizens of the Year: Isabella Sullivan and Ashley Wren
· Sportsperson or Sports Administrator of the Year: Damien Lawler
· Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Bailey Harm
· Cultural Citizen of the Year: Elise O’Brien
· Junior Cultural Citizen of the Year: Ryon Gibson
· Community Event of the Year: Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival
