Winners of the Goulburn Mulwaree Awards were announced as a part of the celebration of the City’s 160th Birthday in Belmore Park on Saturday.
The recipients of the Goulburn Mulwaree Award for 2023 were announced as Sonya White, Giovanni (John) Nicastri OAM, Christine Wursten and Margaret Cameron.
Sonya received the award for her outstanding contribution to the disability sector through her tireless efforts to improve the working standards and conditions of disabled employees in the Goulburn Mulwaree area.
“Sonya White is no stranger to the disability sector having previously worked at the Challenge Foundation Goulburn before taking up her role as General Manager of Endeavour Industries Goulburn in 2018,” Goulburn Mulwaree Council said in a statement.
“She leads with a personalised approach remembering these important community members birthdays and milestone all whilst looking for ways to improve their working conditions via grant opportunities and other initiatives. Sonya always makes herself available even out of her normal working hours.”
One of Sonya’s staff members described her as “An inspirational, supportive, encouraging &
motivated individual who demonstrates a positive approach to leadership – Sonya is not just a boss”.
Giovanni (John) Nicastri OAM migrated from Southern Italy to Australia in 1956. He later made his home in Marulan in 1960 and finally cemented his Aussie status by becoming an Australian citizen in 1963.
“John has worked tirelessly for the Marulan community having served on many community
organisations. He is the only Charter member still in the Marulan Lions Club and was one of the instigators who started the group. John is also an active member of the Marulan Progress Association and the Marulan Village Discretionary Fund. If you are looking for John, you will more than likely find him working hard cooking a BBQ raising funds for various good causes in the community,” the Council said.
Giovanni, or John as he is better known, received this award for his outstanding service to the community of Marulan through his volunteering work.
Christine Wursten has been the driving force behind the Tallong Community Focus Group and the Tallong Apple Day Festival for many years volunteering a lot of her time to these volunteer organisations.
“Christine has initiated many community projects including upgrading the community garden and park in Tallong. Without Christine’s drive and enthusiasm, the Tallong Apple Day Festival may not have been possible, let alone receive the success it has achieved. At the same time as her community work Christine has established her own business in Marulan.”
Christine received the award for her outstanding service to the community of Tallong through her community and volunteering work.
Margaret Cameron has been a strong advocate for the longevity of the farming sector particularly in the Goulburn Mulwaree region for many years.
“She is known for her mentorship of other farmers and for encouraging success through education. Margaret has been instrumental in ensuring farmers voices are heard with key stakeholders and Government bodies,” Council said.
“Margaret’s unwavering dedication to advocacy both locally and regionally on behalf of NSW Farmers Association members has seen the profile and success of farmers in the region elevated and celebrated.”
“Margaret has worked alongside members of the Towrang and Middle Arm Bush Fire Brigades and has attended many fire grounds. Margaret has always made herself available to assist with fire control including during national holiday periods and is held in incredibly high esteem by others in the brigade.
“Margaret is incredibly knowledgeable and has run many successful events and has been
instrumental in encouraging rural youth to pursue their dreams in the agricultural sector.”
Margaret received the award for her outstanding service to the Agriculture Industry through her volunteer role as the longstanding NSW Farmers Association-Goulburn Branch Chairperson.
“It was humbling to present the Goulburn Mulwaree Award as apart of Goulburn’s 160th Birthday Celebrations on Saturday. All recipients should be extremely proud of their achievements,” said Mayor Peter Walker.
“I would like to commend Youth Council Representative Chloe Croker, Trinitaty Catholic College Captain Chloe Mitchell, Mulwaree High School Captain Gus Young, and Goulburn High School Vice-Captain Alicia Hollands on the way they spoke at the ceremony. All of them spoke about what Goulburn meant to them and spoke above and beyond their years to a well-attended audience.
“Now that we have finished celebrating Goulburn’s 160th Birthday, it is time to get ready to celebrate the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre’s first birthday, the team has some fantastic events lined up to mark this momentous milestone, including an open day on Sunday 26 March, with tours and wine tasting from 11am,” Cr Walker continued.
