www.awnw.com.au
Issue #266 – Wednesday, 28 January, 2015
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Healthy election result A total of $63.5 million has been directed to three health centres in the Albury electorate for new buildings and upgrades. The announcement was made by Liberal Member for Albury Greg Aplin last week, who guaranteed the money if his party wins the upcoming state vote. SEE PAGE 4 FOR MORE DETAILS
Our flag of the selfless By ERIN SOMERVILLE SOME of the Border’s most valued, hard-working, and selfless citizens were recognised for making the region’s cities and communities a better place to live at this year’s Australia Day ceremonies. The Wodonga community faced the morning dew that carpeted Les Stone Park on Monday to congratulate the city’s Citizen of the Year Ian Elston, while Albury residents gathered by the mighty Murray to cheer on their Citizen of the Year Margaret Whittaker. Both residents were recognised for their strong commitment to building better communities over many dedicated years through hard and often-unrecognised work and volunteering. Mr Elston is one of Rotary Club of Wodonga Central’s longest-serving members, and this year became the club’s president. He has also served with the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal for 30 consecutive years, been a longserving Justice of the Peace and is involved in JP training and volunteering, volunteers on the Felltimber Community Centre Advisory committee, the North East Water Community Consultative Panel, and helps raise funds for the Anglican Church. “I don’t consider my volunteering service anymore a contribution than what 100,000 people out there are doing every day,” he said. “It has been a big part of my life for 30 years.
“It has given me much pleasure and camaraderie in this community.” Mr Elston said his passion for volunteering was spurred on by the warm welcome he received from the Wodonga community when he and his young family arrived to the city in 1975; a welcome he still has not forgotten. Across the Murray in Albury’s Noreuil Park, Ms Whittaker was very humbled and surprised to have received one of the city’s highest honours. “It’s a great honour but I didn’t think I had any chance,” she said. Ms Whittaker has taken a leading role in founding and managing the St John Ambulance service in Albury for the past 30 years, and has taught over 4500 students first aid in the past 24 years. Her commitments also extend to the city’s sporting sector, and Ms Whittaker can often be found coaching and umpiring netball. She also plays a role in netball state selections as a committee member. Ms Whittaker also gives her time to primary age children with reading difficulties and provides assistance with school immunisation programs. “I just love doing this and being involved in the community. “I encourage everyone to volunteer.” For a list of more Australia Day award winners turn to page three.
Taniesha Anderson and her Wodonga Primary School Choir peers sing the national anthem in Wodonga. 133645 Picture: ADAM WILSON
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