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Women scoop major awards at Shire of Katanning Australia Day citizen of the year ceremony

Headshot of Tom Shanahan
Tom ShanahanGreat Southern Herald
Shire of Katanning Australia Day award winners.
Camera IconShire of Katanning Australia Day award winners. Credit: Andrew Pritchard

The people of Katanning came together on Australia Day to recognise the outstanding contributions of some of the Shire’s finest.

The Shire of Katanning’s Community Citizen of the Year Awards, held at Lions Park, acknowledged eight residents whose leadership had brought about positive change in the community.

In recognition of proceeding with the 2020 Katanning Agricultural Show, Katanning Agricultural Society president Jill Kowald was named the Shire’s citizen of the year.

Shire president Liz Guidera presented Ms Kowald with a framed certificate on stage in front of her friends and family.

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Katanning Citizen of the Year Jill Kowald. Pics: Andrew Pritchard
Camera IconKatanning Citizen of the Year Jill Kowald. Pics: Andrew Pritchard Credit: Andrew Pritchard/Pictures: Andrew Pritchard

The senior citizen of the year award went to Lesley Balinski from the Katanning Dramatic Society for her dedication to developing the self-confidence of the town’s youth through art.

Ms Kowald’s day got even better when the Katanning Agricultural Society was announced as the recipient of the active citizenship award for a group or event.

Katanning Rotaract volunteer Georgia Kowald was celebrated for being a positive role model for her generation with the youth citizen of the year award.

Shire of Katanning Senior Citizen of the Year Lesley Balinski.
Camera IconShire of Katanning Senior Citizen of the Year Lesley Balinski.

Two veteran community volunteers were honoured with Katanning community long service awards.

Kenny Quartermaine from the Wanderers Football Club was a recipient of the award for his 40 years of service to the local football and basketball programs.

Gail Butterworth’s service with the Katanning Netball Association was also recognised.

The Shire of Katanning also acknowledged community members who went above and beyond the call of duty during the Katanning bushfire emergency last February.

Shire of Katanning Young Citizen of the Year Georgia Kowald.
Camera IconShire of Katanning Young Citizen of the Year Georgia Kowald. Credit: ritchard

Tania and Clynton Edwards each received a certificate of appreciation for their efforts coordinating supplies for the fire grounds, as well as temporarily providing shelter to someone who had lost their home in the fire.

Trevor Kowald also received a certificate of appreciation for bringing Blaze Aid to Katanning to help with bushfire recovery.

Two community members became new Australians on Tuesday, with Judith Tapao and Noor Sahak taking the citizenship pledge.

New Australian citizens Noor Sahak and Judith Tapao.
Camera IconNew Australian citizens Noor Sahak and Judith Tapao.

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