by Steve Cuff.
Every community will be enthusiastically celebrating Australia Day, and in the mountains many have already made the climb to Australia's highest peak of Mt Kosciuszko.
Here in Jindabyne, the lake has been active this morning with water craft and water skiers buzzing around and at Banjo Paterson Park the official Jindabyne Australia Day gongs were awarded followed by a Jindabyne Lions Club breakfast and frivolities in the park.
Snowy Monaro Region Council Mayor, Peter Beer made an inspiring speech highlighting the past month where fires have impacted across the region, and stating the fires are not over yet but the community had helped and looked out for each other.
"When the call went out some time ago when the danger was in this particular area, I thought the true spirit of Australians was shown," said Mayor Beer.
"Never have I seen so many people come together in the Jindabyne hall, estimated 1200 people, Adaminaby was at the same time, hundreds there, Cooma hundreds there, Bombala hundreds there."
"We have had a hard time, but we have had a time where it has seen us as Australians come together like no other time in our past."
Australia Day ambassador Mary-Ruth Mendell spoke about recognising people in the community and of listening, sharing and contributing.
Jindabyne Lions Club's Nira Windeatt presented a bio of each of the award winners before they accepted their awards from ary-Ruth Mendell and Jindabynhe Lions Club President Julian Besestri.
Awards winners for the 2019 years were.
Sports person of the Year
Rhianna Burke
Environmental Award – Individual
Edwina Lowe
Art & Craft Person of the Year
Mary-Anne Simpson
Community Event of the Year SMRC Senior Christmas Lunch
Jindabyne Lions Club – Wendy Hukins
Community Group of the Year
Jindabyne Op Shop, Soul Food Kitchens & Food Bank Gordon and Debbie Wilson
Emergency Services Worker of the Year
Matt de Waard
Special Achievement
Annette “Danni” Ryan
Citizen of the Year
Sue Sell
