Mathoura locals have been recognised for their fantastic achievements over the past year after receiving two special awards at Thursday’s Australia Day celebrations.
Mathoura’s Biggest Morning Tea Committee won Murray River Council’s Community Group of the Year award for its fundraising work for the Cancer Council, while Matilda Eddy was named as the Young Sportsperson of the Year.
The winners were presented their awards by State Member for Murray Helen Dalton, AFL legend Brent Harvey and Murray River Councillor Tom Weyrich at Soldiers Memorial Park in Mathoura.
Mathoura’s Biggest Morning Tea raised more than $6000 for cancer research and it was named the Biggest Morning Tea with the second highest fundraising tally in southern NSW.
“The Mathoura Biggest Morning Tea Committee has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community,” Cr Weyrich said.
“It is an enduring credit to these volunteers who have provided their expertise and time in the interest of the community and a great cause.”
Tegan Hadjialexiou, Morgan Hadjialexiou and Aleisha McIntosh make up the committee, with Tegan Hadjialexiou and Ms McIntosh there to receive the award at the ceremony.
“We definitely weren’t expecting it, I am blown away,” Ms McIntosh said.
“It is very rewarding. We put a lot of work into the day and a lot of preparations.
“We often say that we don’t think there are many people who haven’t been touched by cancer, which is why we feel it is so important.
Ms Hadjialexiou thanked the community for its efforts in supporting the fundraiser.
“We feel very happy about it , so privileged,” Ms Hadjialexiou said.
“With all the support that the community gives us, that support is just mind blowing.
“It is great to see everyone enjoying themselves and enjoying everything that you have put together. All the support that the community gives, it’s great to give back.”
Eddy earned the Young Sportsperson of the Year gong after a stellar year in athletics.
Eddy represented herself, Mathoura Public School, Deniliquin and District and Riverina at multiple district, regional and state athletics events.
She set two local records in the 1500m, won the Riverina Cross Country Championships and qualified for four separate athletics events at the Riverina level, later travelling to Sydney to compete in the state competition.
As well as earning multiple victories on the track, Eddy was also praised for her impeccable sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.
Mathoura Men’s Shed and Mathoura Events Committee were also nominated for the community group award, while Lara O’Callaghan was put forward as a nominee for the young sportsperson prize.