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Nagambie takes to the lake to celebrate Australia Day

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Top citizens: Strathbogie Shire Junior Citizen of the Year Brodie Miller, 12, from Nagambie with Senior Citizen of the Year Helen Heathcote. Helen has worked at the Nagambie Primary School in education support and as a volunteer. One of her key roles has been with the breakfast club where she acts as a mentor, friend and confidante. Brodie represented Nagambie Primary School in athletics at a state and national level in 2022 and will be travelling to Brisbane.

Nagambie can boast a regional winner named in the Strathbogie Shire Citizen of the Year awards, announced on Australia Day.

Twelve-year-old Brodie Miller was named the shire’s Junior Citizen of the Year at the Nagambie breakfast.

He shared the stage with Nagambie’s Senior Citizen of the Year Helen Heathcote.

Brodie represented the Nagambie Primary School at a state and national level last year.

His success at school and regional level took him to the state athletics competitions at Yarra Glen from where he was selected to go to Adelaide for the national championships. Brodie finished third, earning a bronze medal and achieved a gold medal in the overall Para Team Championships.

He is expecting to travel to Brisbane for further competition, in the 100m, 200m and 800m track events and shot put.

All smiles: Dad Justin Anderson, with the youngest person at the Nagambie Australia Day celebrations, Maggie Anderson, 12 months. Mum, Ebony Andrews missed out on the photo.

Also at Nagambie on Australia Day, Ms Heathcote was recognised for her work at the Nagambie Primary School over 35 years.

Ms Heathcote has worked in education support and with the school’s breakfast program, where she acts as a mentor, friend, confidante and role model. She is also the school’s catering manager and volunteers with the parents and friends group.

She also co-ordinates the school’s annual graduation event and volunteers for the school’s KidsMatter student wellbeing program.

Her volunteer work with the Nagambie Football and Netball Club has earned her a life membership.

Celebrating Australia Day at Nagambie: Wayne Gammon from Kirwans Bridge, Henry Moss, Margaret Moss, Jim Tehan and Sue Verge.

Guest speaker Alice Mabin is the author of a series of coffee table books documenting outback life in agriculture.

The Nagambie Cemetery Trust was named as the organisation of the year, and the Nagambie Carols was named as the event of the year.

At Nagambie Australia Day celebrations: President of Go Nagambie Lee Rowland, members of the Australia Day committee Cheryl Mensfield, Ronda Richards and Moz Fowler, with guest speaker Alice Mabin.

The Nagambie Larks choir presented several songs.

Fun day out: Zoe Hodor, 5, from Sunbury was decked out in Australian flag colours at the Nagambie Australia Day celebrations.
Floral: Native flower bouquets were given to special guests at the Nagambie Australia Day celebrations.
Good turnout: About 130 people attended the Nagambie Australia Day celebrations at the Nagambie Rowing Club on the shores of the lake.