In the words of Australia Day ambassador and Olympic swimmer Mark Tonelli, “patriotism, nationalism or just good old Aussie pride” could be found by the bucket load at Bega Valley Shire Council’s main Australia Day ceremony.

The ceremony included the presentation of Australia Day awards to Bega Valley Shire Citizens of the Year Marie Smith of Bega and Janita Fernando of Merimbula and Bega Valley Shire Young Citizens of the Year Imogen Pittolo and Kalidevi Samuels-Connell.

Also receiving their awards for Bega Chamber of Commerce and Industry Community Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year were Annette Warby of Tathra and Sarah Halin of Bega.

Kelly Grant, Michael Jay, Caroline Ryan, Thu Mong Thi Tran, Nuo Zhao, Frances Buckle, Christopher Jesson, Elizabeth Tapp, Jane Van Limbeek and Melanie Bonney-Lukat became our newest Australian citizens in the Valley in a citizenship ceremony conducted by deputy mayor Cr Liz Seckold.

They were among a total of 15,915 people nationally from 152 different countries who took part in citizenship events across the country.

Cr Seckold congratulated the 10 local residents on becoming formal members of the Australian community.

 The inaugural Aussie Thongathon art competition drew a great response with entries proudly displayed on the Hills Hoist set up in Littleton Gardens.

Laila Lee was judged the winner by Mr Tonelli and picked up a prize of a 12-month family pass to Sapphire Coast Aquatic Centre and signed memorabilia by Mr Tonelli.

Marie Smith, on accepting her award for Bega Valley Shire’s Citizen of the Year, said she was at first surprised and embarrassed by the successful nomination, but then decided at her age she was going to enjoy it.

Fellow recipient Janita Fernando felt the same way and said as a busy mother of four her energy and ability to help others comes primarily from her Christian faith and the support from her husband, Jeremy, and her daughters, parents and friends.

“I thank them for the support they give me for my many crazy ideas, particularly from friend Christine Smith, who partners with me and Jeremy,” Ms Fernando said.

“Jeremy and others share in this award with me.”

Joint Bega Valley Young Citizen of the Year Imogen Pittolo in her address thanked all those who have given her the opportunities she has had to make a difference, saying she enjoys doing what she does and seeing others gaining the benefits.

Meanwhile, Kalidevi Samuels-Connell of Pericoe thanked the people who nominated her and all those others who make a voluntary contribution to the community every day, who are not receiving an award.

On naming Annette Warby as Bega Chamber of Commerce Community Citizen of the Year, president Mal Barnes said Ms Warby, upon learning of her award, said she was “just doing something she felt needed to be done”.

“She has shown outstanding citizenship because of this need to volunteer,” Mr Barnes said.

Ms Warby acknowledged her sponsor Helen Slater and others in the community who have also volunteered in some form over the years.

“I thank the Bega Valley Shire Council for what they have done today and in the community in general.

“It’s really great to see so many young people stepping in and I’m very proud to be among those receiving awards today,” Ms Warby said.

Sarah Halin met the news of her award with stunned silence at first, Mr Barnes said.

“Sarah is one of those people though who puts her hand up for everything in the community,” Mr Barnes said.

Sarah thanked her family for their continual support and for “keeping me stable and going”.

“Thank you for the support people have given me in the Bega Valley.

“I’m on to bigger and better things because of this,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with live entertainment by Jake Whyman and Brittany Meers and activities for children.