Celebrating Australia Day Murray Brown, 2021 Forbes Citizen of the Year with Mayor Phyllis Miller.
The Forbes Shire celebrated Australia Day very differently this year, with major gatherings of previous years not allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The community did however take advantage of the many food vans dotted around Lake Forbes.
“It was an Australia Day with a difference, that’s for sure,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “But I love that our community still wanted to celebrate. The day consisted of a gentle stream of families and friends gathering by our beautiful Lake, fishing, water skiing and having picnics.”
The Citizen of the Year Award Ceremony was an invitation only event and it was held in the Forbes Town Hall. Local musician Adam Enslow entertained guests throughout the night and on completion of formal proceedings some audience members also performed.
“I want to thank everyone who tuned in to our Citizen of the Year ceremony on Facebook, it was such a great night and I want to congratulate our wonderful winners, Krystle-Lee McMurray, Norm Haley and Murray Brown. All are very worthy recipients.”
Local State Member Phil Donato and his wife, Nadia also joined Council’s Citizen of the Year Ceremony Dinner. The couple were celebrating their wedding anniversary on this day and Phyllis paid a special tribute to the couple.
“I must also mention we welcomed two new citizens on Australia Day, Airene Brown and Chelsea Riddington, It was great to see they both were brimming with pride to be officially welcomed into Australia and become official citizens,” Phyllis said.
The fireworks at 9pm were broadcast live on Facebook and had viewers tuning in from all over Australia. “Many of our locals also ventured down to the foreshore of the Lake to watch the Fireworks,” Phyllis said. “Our pyro technicians intentionally launched them high into the sky to ensure all of Forbes could see the display from their backyards.”