A long-standing stalwart of the community who has raised more than $60,000 for Singleton youth, and a teenager known as "Superfish" who is setting records and inspiring athletes of all abilities have been honoured at today's Australia Day celebrations in Singleton.
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Gary Holland, the man behind the not-for-profit "Dolly's Charity Shop" and a volunteer with a range of community initiatives including the Anglican Church, Samaritans Christmas Day Lunch, Apex Club and Red Cross Disaster support team, was named the 2020 Singleton Citizen of the Year.
Citizen of the Year for 2018 Mrs Peggy Moore presented Mr Holland with the award and he humbly accepted and responded with his well known sense of humour.
"My daughter told me if I was to get up here I should have notes, otherwise I'd be waffling on until the lights were out," said Mr Holland.
"The best volunteers in the world are here in Singleton, but as our shire grows there is a bigger strain on all resources and more volunteers are needed."
"You get back much more from volunteering than you give."
"Every volunteer in our shire past, present and future are more than worthy of this certificate I am receiving here today."
Darcy Gilson, who has continued to put Singleton on the map in the national multi-class swimming scene for swimmers with a disability and who holds State and Australian records in the Athletes with a Disability (AWD) class, was named the Young Achiever of the Year.
"To be honest I am a bit shocked to be receiving this award," Darcy said laughingly.
"To be up against my friend Alex Tigani who has reported my sporting achievements is a great honour. "
Darcy was presented with the award by the 2018 Young Achiever Mr Byron Fletcher.
"I am really thankful to everyone especially my family and girlfriend for their love and support."
The announcements were made as part of the official ceremony this morning, where 38 new Australian citizens were also welcomed and Australia Day guest John Flannery delivered the address on the meaning of Australia Day in Singleton.
"I have always admired the way Singleton comes together as a community when there is a matter of crisis.
"The 1955 flood and its aftermath, the 1996 hailstorm that struck Singleton by surprise and today the bushfire and drought crisis are again proving the strength of the Singleton community.
"Our volunteer emergency services and firefighters have always risen to the occasion when needed."
Mr Flannery is a former general manager of Singleton Council who led the construction of Council's Administration Building and Civic Centre during his tenure and, although born in Parkes and raised in Sydney, has been an integral part of Singleton's milestones including being the first Shire Clerk of the amalgamated Singleton Municipal and Patrick Plains Shire councils.
Now retired, he continues to serve the Singleton community through involvement in a range of organisations and championing the local government area across a range of industries.
"The spirit of volunteerism defines us as Australians. It is at the heart of our response to the bushfires and is a core value among us all. Long may we prosper and celebrate on every Australia day," he concluded.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said it was wonderful to see so many people come out to celebrate Australia Day in Singleton at last night's free family event, Twilight, as well as at today's official proceedings.
"Australia Day is a great occasion to come together to celebrate what we all have in common as Australians, and to recognise the privileges and freedoms that come with Australian citizenship," she said.
"It's a very significant occasion for the 38 people who chose to become Australians in Singleton, and I was honoured to be part of it."
She also paid tribute to the nominees for the Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year.
"Australia Day has become a tradition to recognise those Australians among us who go a little bit further to make our community great, and it's one of the most humbling parts of my role as mayor to present the Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year awards," Cr Moore said.
"I sincerely congratulate Gary Holland and Darcy Gilson on this prestigious honour, and thank everyone who was nominated for all you do for our community."
Talented trio Erin Mullen, Jasmine Haines and Phoebe Gunn bravely sung the national anthem accompanied by the Singleton Town Band.
The Singleton Rotary Club cooked up a BBQ breakfast from 8am onward until the ceremony commenced followed by the Singleton Lioness Club keeping stomachs full with an 'All Australian' morning tea which included lamingtons and vegemite sandwiches.