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Orlander  Ruming

The winners of the Dubbo Day Awards will be announced on Thursday. Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields, alongside current and former councillors, will present the awards at 11am at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.&nbsp; The awards are&nbsp;presented to local volunteers each November on the anniversary of Dubbo’s gazettal as a village in 1849. There were 17 exceptional local people recognised for their work at the Dubbo Day Awards last year, for giving their time in a variety of ways. 2016 DUBBO DAYS AWARD WINNERS:&nbsp;Lorraine Callaghan, Michael Brien, Michael O’Neill, Jennifer Chenhall, Heather Exelby, Andrew Murray, Joan Yeo, Bill Donnison, Jason Blake, Tina Beggs, Bruce Buchanan, Dianne Medley, Margaret Carolan, Annette Priest, Amanda Bye, Joyce Morris, Ann Sharpe.

Administrator Michael Kneipp and Lorraine Callaghan.

"Lorraine has been involved with the Dubbo Wagon Wheel Club (formerly known as Royal Far West), for 30 years and has been president for a number of years. Lorraine and her husband run meat raffles at the Wongarbon Tavern every fortnight along with Market Days at the Wongarbon Park and hold 4 luncheons a year to raise funds for this club. She then attends the Annual Conference where she formally hands over the contributions collected each year. Lorraine is also involved with other organisations such as Dubbo Hockey, being involved in running the kiosk and supporting her family, she is also involved with the Craft Cottage in Cobra Street and the Wongarbon Park Management Committee. Lorraine is considered to be a very supportive and caring person. Congratulations Lorraine!"

Administrator Michael Kneipp and Michael Brien.

"Michael has been involved with the Dubbo Show Society for 15 years, where over a number of years he assisted the Sheep Committee. He was instrumental in having the Sheep Show renamed and gain status of the NSW Sheep Show. For the last 8 years Michael took over the reins as Chief Steward. The NSW Sheep show grew from strength to strength and the Dubbo show would now have one of the largest Sheep exhibitions in Australia. Michael has taken his role within the show society seriously and without Michael’s support the Show society would not be in the position it is in today. Michael’s commitment is such that he and his wife stay in Dubbo in their caravan during show time so that he can set up early each morning and pack up well after dark. He is well known and respected in the industry and represents and promotes the sheep show by attending other events such as Royal Easter, Melbourne and New Zealand shows to name a few. Michael’s service to the show society, the show movement, sheep industry and the community is without question a credit to him – such dedication as his is hard to find. Congratulations Michael!"

Administrator Michael Kneipp and Michael O’Neill.

"Michael has dedicated 9 years with the Inland Waterways Rejuvenation Association repairing and improving the health of local waterways. He has held the position of vice-president and co-founder of this not for profit group and he has achieve so much over the last decade working to establish a strong volunteer committee and conducting highly successful and profitable fundraising initiatives. The biggest fundraiser for this group has been the Lake Burrendong Fishing Classic where 100% of the proceeds go toward improving the health of the local waterways and where Michael was the driving force that saw 104 sponsors donate to this event. 
In 2016 Michael and this committee have orchestrated river improvements such as re-snagging, weed removal and over the past few years they have been busy restocking the regions waterways. Michael has also collected over 100 ute loads of rubbish over the past few years which he has done on his own accord – as it makes Dubbo look better and improves the health of the waterways. Michael deserves to be congratulated for his tireless efforts. Congratulations Michael!"

Administrator Michael Kneipp with Jennifer Chenhall.

"Jennifer has been a member of the Dubbo Rescue Squad for 11 years, it has been during this time that she has been actively involved in all fundraising activities undertaken by the squad members. Jennifer has also been the treasurer for the Squad for a number of years and has been instrumental in researching and establishing the constitution for the squad. Recently Jennifer has undertaken training to become a qualified rescue operator, where she has passed her exams with flying colours and assisted other recruits to pass as well. Jennifer works tirelessly for the squad and the community at large. A well-deserved recipient today. Congratulations Jennifer!"

Former councillor Kevin Parker and Heather Exelby.

"Heather has volunteered her time between the Dubbo Prostate Cancer Support Group and Arthritis NSW Dubbo Support Group for a number of years. For the Dubbo Prostate Cancer Support Group she has held positions of Correspondence officer and Finance committee member. She has undertaken the duties of inviting and thanking guest speakers for meetings; seeking raffle prizes and donations, arranging convenors at events for promotion tables, helping man promotion tables, assisting with raffles and any other duties required. She has also assisted with the organising and staging of a 2 day conference – Rural and Regional NSW prostate Cancer Conference. For the Arthritis NSW – Dubbo Support Group she has held positions of Treasurer and Convenor she assists with the canvassing of guest speakers, convening meetings, organising raffles and information tables at events and social luncheons, she also transports members to and from meetings and luncheons, publishes and issues the local newsletter, and all correspondence. She also attends the Annual Regional Meeting for Arthritis NSW providing the Dubbo Groups annual report along with  transporting other members to the meeting. Congratulations Heather!"

Former councillor Kevin Parker and Andrew Murray.

"Andrew was critically injured in a car accident in November 1995 resulting in an acquired Brain Injury. He can no longer hold a drivers licence due to decreased vision. As a result of this Andrew has volunteered his time for over 20 years as a volunteer speaker to organisations such as RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) program; Traffic Offenders Intervention Programme; Make a Difference Programme; and Western Area High Schools. Andrew conducts talks to young drivers and he stresses the dangers of drink driving and the consequences, he shows photos of his accident and his time in hospital and speaks at length about brain injuries and the changes to his live as a result of his accident. Andrew hopes that these talks will save others from a similar fate.  He has a wonderful sense of humour and he revisits the emotions of that time as he answers the questions that are put to him honestly. We would like to acknowledge Andrew for this wonderful work that he does. Congratulations Andrew!"

Former councillor Kevin Parker and Joan Yeo.

"Joan has been a hardworking member for her community for the last 45 years. Joan has been involved with Ballimore Red Cross, Gollan CWA, CWA Macquarie Group; Meals on Wheels; Dubbo City Ladies Probus. Joan assists with catering to raise money for Ballimore Red Cross at varies events such as clearing sales, street stalls and lunches, which involves lots of cooking to create the Home Made food that is so popular. Joan also travels 50 kms to Dubbo to deliver meals on wheels to Dubbo residents and has received a certificate when she reached 40 years service. As a member of Gollan CWA and as Macquarie Group President Joan does a lot of travelling for meetings and events where she also has to cook for every section on the agendas.  Joan has also won many prizes at regional and state level. Joan is a very active member for Dubbo City Ladies Probus and has been secretary for 8 years and assistant treasurer for 6 years and this year is president. Congratulations Joan!"

Former councillor Barry Brebner and Kristie Hallford (accepting an award on behalf of Bill Donnison).

"Bill started volunteering his time before he had retired from fulltime employment. He is a City Ambassador at the Visitor Information Centre where he promotes Dubbo to the City’s many visitors. Now that Bill has retired, after 34 years with Dubbo College Delroy Campus, he has now devoted more of his time as a City Ambassador. Bill is a valued member of the team with his knowledge and passion for Dubbo, along with his strong work ethic and positive demeanour, which shines through in all his interactions with visitors and staff alike. Bill offers a first point of call for all visitor enquiries and provides them with a friendly face and accurate information regarding the city, he also delivers personalised guided tours of the city to various bus groups and maintains a positive relationship with Dubbo’s business community through the partnership program. Bill also volunteers his time with National Trust, Dubbo Eisteddfod Society and Dubbo Jazz Club. Congratulations Bill!"

Bill Donnison.

"Bill started volunteering his time before he had retired from fulltime employment. He is a City Ambassador at the Visitor Information Centre where he promotes Dubbo to the City’s many visitors. Now that Bill has retired, after 34 years with Dubbo College Delroy Campus, he has now devoted more of his time as a City Ambassador. Bill is a valued member of the team with his knowledge and passion for Dubbo, along with his strong work ethic and positive demeanour, which shines through in all his interactions with visitors and staff alike. Bill offers a first point of call for all visitor enquiries and provides them with a friendly face and accurate information regarding the city, he also delivers personalised guided tours of the city to various bus groups and maintains a positive relationship with Dubbo’s business community through the partnership program. Bill also volunteers his time with National Trust, Dubbo Eisteddfod Society and Dubbo Jazz Club. Congratulations Bill!"

Former councillor Barry Brebner and Jason Blake.

"Jason has been an active volunteer for many years, committing his time and skills to the Dubbo Dirt Bike Club; Dubbo Rugby Union Club; Central West Rugby Union club and Dubbo South Public School. Jason has been an active member of Dubbo South Public School since 2006 and has been president since 2010, even staying on as president for a year after his last child graduated to secondary school. Jason has always led by example as President and his enthusiasm was instrumental in organising many successful working bees. Over the last 9 years Jason has contributed by planning building extensions, new building constructions and construction of a covered outdoor learning area, establishment of new gardens and soft fall areas and playground equipment. With his carpentry skills he has been able to save the school thousands of dollars in labour costs and the school grounds and outdoor covered learning areas are a testament to his commitment and dedication. Congratulations Jason!"

Former councillor Doug Butcherine and Tina Beggs.

"Tina has been organising a Ladies Monday morning golf competition for the last 18 years. She has worked tirelessly for the Dubbo Golf Club Veteran Ladies. She is the driving force behind the Monday Lady Golfers and encourages mature-aged women to remain active in the sport. She also encourages new ladies to take up the sport. Tina maintains handicaps, organises sponsorships and presentations and social events for the club. This is done on a voluntary basis and involves many hours of hard work on her part. She does this with grace and good humour and is a wonderful role model for all players. Congratulations Tina!"

Former councillor Doug Butcherine and Bruce Buchanan.

"Bruce has been involved with various organisations for a number of years. Bruce has been a staunch supporter and member of the Dream Festival Committee since the first public meeting calling for a festival in Dubbo. He delivers all the programmes to the Businesses and Motels in Dubbo. He is like the “backstage boy” where he spends many hours in setting up and packing down at all the various functions throughout the festival. He also attends all the meetings of this committee. Bruce was also the inaugural president of Orana Heights P and C even before the school was completed and he continued in this position for a number of years helping organise many fetes and other foundation functions as the school was set up and established. He has also volunteered for the Newtown and SASS soccer clubs for many years along with volunteering his time with Dubbo and 1st Orana Scout Troupes. Bruce also volunteered his time with the RSPCA where he walked the dogs individually until this service was no longer required. Congratulations Bruce!"

Former councillor Judy Jakins and Dianne Medley.

"Dianne spends her time volunteering her services to several organisations in Dubbo, being Dubbo Inner Wheel Incorporate, Meals on Wheels, Dubbo Eisteddfod and St Mary’s Villa. As a member of Dubbo Inner Wheel Dianne looks after and cares for elderly members of the club by providing them transport to and from the meetings and morning teas, to specialist/GP visits, social activities she also delivers meals to members of the Inner Wheel – particularly when they are unwell. This is above and beyond the expectations of being a member of the Inner Wheel. She is always assisting where she identifies that her assistance is of greatest need, such as allowing the meetings to flow smoothly, in the kitchen helping out even when not rostered on and does this without expectation of acknowledgment or thanks. Dianne also visits the elderly and others when they are sick, providing meals, transportation to appointments or to the club morning teas and social functions. Di also keeps an eye on her former neighbours who are elderly and live alone this could mean a 20 km round trip to visit them. She is very caring and empathetic and unassuming and does all of this without ever complaining. Congratulations Dianne!"

Former councillor Judy Jakins and Margaret Carolan.

"Margaret has spent her life volunteering amongst many organisations in Dubbo. Some of these are University of the Third Age; Meals on Wheels; Orana Gardens social committee; St Brigids; Al Anon; St Pius X and St Johns primary schools. Margaret has been a very conscientious volunteer with Meals on Wheels for many years with her commitment to her tasks far exceeding the basic deliveries of food as her concern for frail residents and subsequent reporting of their further needs is characteristic of her. She has taken on the role of treasurer and financial officer for the U3A which is a very demanding role and she carries this out with great accuracy. Her concern for fellow residents of Orana Gardens is demonstrated by the way she applies herself to working on the various in house and social committees. Margaret has also been an active member of St Brigid’s parish for 60 years and during this time she has given generously to the physical needs of the church as a Eucharistic Minister, welcoming new parishioners, member of the choir, catering and assisting with gardening. Congratulations Margaret!"

Former councillor Ray Nolan and Libby McIntrye (accepting an award on behalf of Annette Priest).

"Annette has given countless hours of her time to many differing organisations and individual people. She has many skills, including linkages with other groups and financial and IT acumen to assist those groups. She is a valuable and caring member of the many groups she volunteers with and is always willing to participate in any event whether at the time or in another way. She is a great contributor with a wealth of knowledge and the ability and willingness to give of these skills to others. Her contribution to each of the following groups is enormous and unfortunately too lengthy to read out –
Playmates Cottage Childcare Centre – 31 years since inception – founding president, financial director, public officer, SAVE Playmates campaign
Dubbo Macquarie River Bushcare group – 8 years – regular volunteer, financial and technical advice
Orana Dragons Dubbo – 6 years – IT advice, fundraising, funding applications
Sister City Exchange – 20 years – home hosting, chaperoning, tour guide for Minokamo
Legacy Widows – 4 years – care and advice for 11 legacy widows
Make a wish foundation – 12 months – fundraising/IT advice
Congratulations Annette!"

Annette Priest.

"Annette has given countless hours of her time to many differing organisations and individual people. She has many skills, including linkages with other groups and financial and IT acumen to assist those groups. She is a valuable and caring member of the many groups she volunteers with and is always willing to participate in any event whether at the time or in another way. She is a great contributor with a wealth of knowledge and the ability and willingness to give of these skills to others. Her contribution to each of the following groups is enormous and unfortunately too lengthy to read out –
Playmates Cottage Childcare Centre – 31 years since inception – founding president, financial director, public officer, SAVE Playmates campaign
Dubbo Macquarie River Bushcare group – 8 years – regular volunteer, financial and technical advice
Orana Dragons Dubbo – 6 years – IT advice, fundraising, funding applications
Sister City Exchange – 20 years – home hosting, chaperoning, tour guide for Minokamo
Legacy Widows – 4 years – care and advice for 11 legacy widows
Make a wish foundation – 12 months – fundraising/IT advice
Congratulations Annette!"

Former councillor Ray Nolan and Amanda Bye.

"Mandy is an active member of Dubbo WIRES and she is the current joint bird and raptor coordinator. This position coordinates and assist with bird rescue and care and is the central position for mentoring others with bird care. Mandy has an affinity with Raptor care which require specialist handling and care, she has a raptor cage on her property and is overseeing the building of some new raptor boxes for the branch. Mandy is also the current food and equipment officer for the branch which is a vital position, ordering, dispatching and supplying of food and equipment for animal carers in the branch. She has also held a range of other positions within the branch and always makes herself available for the rescue of animals, and works tirelessly for the branch. Recently she rescued 2 parent ducks and 13 ducklings from a motel in central Dubbo – catching the ducklings with the assistance of another member and carrying the box of ducklings and mum and dad following to Victoria park to be relocated to the pond where they are now. Congratulations Amanda!"

Former councillor Ray Brooks and Joyce Morris

"Joyce has been involved with many organisations for a number of years, being Anglican Women of Australia, Opportunity Shop, Samaritans Purse, Anglican Church and the Greek Church. Joyce does a lot of Cooking for the Anglican Women of Australia – catering for funerals and businesses more than once a week, she does lamington drives, annual dinners for over 100 people, dessert and coffee evenings, soup and damper luncheons and special catering for the Eisteddfod. Joyce works at least twice weekly for the opportunity shop where she sorts the displays, cleans and sells donated goods and helps with advice and problem solving. The Samaritans Purse also known as Christmas Boxes for Children overseas from underdeveloped countries – this is where she coordinates the filling of these boxes so that they can go overseas to disadvantaged children who would not normally receive any gifts. Joyce also assists with raffle ticket selling when required. Congratulations Joyce!"

Former councillor Ray Brooks and Anne Sharpe 

"Anne has been involved with many organisations for a number of years, being Anglican Women of Australia, Cancer Support Group, Holy Spirit and Osmond Villa, Meals on Wheels, Angel Flight, Opportunity Shop, Samaritans Purse, Anglican Church St Mary’s Villa and RFDS. Anne has worked consistently for the Anglican Women of Australia providing catering for funerals, businesses, and special occasions such as the Eisteddfod, lamington drives, coffee and desert evenings, dinners, soup and damper lunches, pancake nights and so on. She provides assistance to many organisations as needed, selling raffle tickets, delivering meals on wheels, providing general duties for the opportunity shop and being involved with the collection of the Children’s Christmas boxes. She assists at Holy Spirit and Osmond villa by regularly visiting and assisting with church services. Congratulations Anne!"

The winners of the Dubbo Day Awards will be announced on Thursday.

Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields, alongside current and former councillors, will present the awards at 11am at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.&nbsp;

The awards are&nbsp;presented to local volunteers each November on the anniversary of Dubbo’s gazettal as a village in 1849.

There were 17 exceptional local people recognised for their work at the Dubbo Day Awards last year, for giving their time in a variety of ways.

<b>2016 DUBBO DAYS AWARD WINNERS:&nbsp;</b>Lorraine Callaghan, Michael Brien, Michael O’Neill, Jennifer Chenhall, Heather Exelby, Andrew Murray, Joan Yeo, Bill Donnison, Jason Blake, Tina Beggs, Bruce Buchanan, Dianne Medley, Margaret Carolan, Annette Priest, Amanda Bye, Joyce Morris, Ann Sharpe.<br>

2017 Dubbo Day Awards will soon be announced| Photos

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Orlander Ruming

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