HAPPY birthday Dubbo!
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 100 residents attended the city's 163rd birthday party at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre yesterday.
Residents gathered to celebrate the "extraordinary achievements" of volunteers who selflessly worked in the community.
Dubbo City Council mayor Mathew Dickerson said he was proud to present the Dubbo City Community Service Awards to dedicated volunteers.
"We have great people who work tirelessly and behind the scenes to make Dubbo a fantastic place to live," he told the crowd.
Cr Dickerson said recent statistics showed 20 per cent of residents actively volunteered in the city which was higher than the national average.
Dubbo City Community Service Awards committee chairman Wally Finn said it was hard to choose the award winners this year as the quality of nominees were high.
"There's many people who I look at their stories and say, 'gosh, there are amazing people in this city who do great work'," he said.
"You all are worthy of these awards and you really deserve it."
The hard work and hours of service of 15 residents was rewarded as the mayor, Cr Bill Kelly, Cr Kevin Parker and former councillor Ray Nolan presented the Dubbo City Community Service Awards.
Masonic Village Residents Committee president Marie Mawbey was recognised for her unfaltering care and love.
Mrs Mawbey was praised for her efforts in delivering groceries weekly for an elderly resident since 1996 without fail.
She also welcomed new residents to the city, volunteered at the Anglican Church helping to run their fair, joined Sing Australia and was an active member for Meals on Wheels for many years. The award winners were described as "one of a kind" and "caring individuals" who did not blow their own trumpets and were modest about their community work.
The Tony McGrane Public Service Award was presented to Catherine Fidock who worked to improve mental health education for Dubbo students.
"No one achieves anything on their own, we are all part of a bigger picture," Ms Fidock said.
"I humbly accept this award on behalf of all my colleagues who have helped me."
Mr Flynn encouraged Dubbo residents to nominate more people for the 2013 awards.
"You need to make our job harder to choose people," he said.
Other award recipients included: Greg Reichart, Garry Braithwaite, Dawn Hassall, Stephen Hassall, Garry Tosh, Ross Toole, Shirley Trethowan, Mal White, Betty Ryan, Dawn Serisier, Marlene Spittles and Bill Phillips.