TODAY
32o Sunny
36o 33o 33o TUE
WED
THURS
www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
Community battling for dredge access Page 3
Monday, January 29, 2024
Brigade gives Clayton life for his service
$1.80 INC. GST
Phone (03) 5723 0100
Gift win is a “dream come true” Page 7
Sport
Around A d 800 p people pl enjoyed j y dW Wangaratta’s g ’ offi fficial i lA Australia li D Dayy celebrations l b i TOP HONOURS: The Rural City of Wangaratta crowned its top citizens and project/event at the Australia Day celebrations in King George V Gardens on Friday. Pictured are Young Citizen of the Year Loius Pye, Citizen of the Year Ruth Kneebone, and Peter Rourke, representing Project 365 and the U Can Cry band which took out the Community Project/Event of the Year. PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
David’s OAM honour
Page 2
Family proud to be Aussies
One for all, all for one
WANGARATTA’S strength in community spirit once again captivated the rural city’s Australia Day Awards ceremony on Friday morning. Around 800 people gathered at the King George V Gardens, some in more limited edition Australia Day merchandise to com-
Australia Day WANGARATTA
STORY by BAILEY ZIMMERMANN
memorate the day. Stalwarts of communities within the rural city were duly honoured at ceremonies around town which paid
tribute to their thankless community contributions. Among those community pillars was Ruth Kneebone, whose lifetime of service to the Wangaratta community was commended as the Rural City of Wangaratta’s 2024 Citizen of the Year. The municipality’s top honours also included Project
MOVE IT HIRE IT Call 1300 722 132
3DUÀWW 5G :DQJDUDWWD ZZZ SDFLÀFKLUH FRP DX
ing the sporting, culture and welfare of others across the rural city. During an emotional and motivating speech, she said it was a humbling and exciting feeling to be acknowledged by her community with the prestigious award in front of family and friends. ■ Continued page 5
365 and the U Can Cry band which took out the Community Project/Event of the Year and Louis Pye who won Young Citizen of the Year. Ruth has proven to be a dedicated volunteer and active community member across multiple community organisations she has led and been a part of, benefit-
ɵ ([FDYDWRUV 7RQ ɵ 5ROOHUV 7RQ ɵ 3ODWH &RPSDFWRUV .J ɵ DQG PDQ\ PRUH
HIRE SATURDAY GET SUNDA Y
FREE!* *T&C’S A
PPLY
Page 4
Reflection and unity
Page 4
Local Achievers awarded at rural events Page 10
