Cessnock Celebrates New Citizens and Award Recipients on Australia Day
Published on 27 January 2023
Cessnock City Council hosted the 2023 Australia Day Awards ceremony, along with its biggest citizenship ceremony of the year on Australia Day, 26 January 2023.
The illustrious event took place at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock and was attended by government officials, local leaders and community members.
Sonny Andrews from Paxton Public School started the proceedings with the Acknowledgement of Country and the official citizenship ceremony commenced.
Congratulations to the 32 of our valued community members that took the Oath of Allegiance, pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people, and legally became the newest citizens of Australia.
Astrid Hocking, Australia Day ambassador, presented the annual Australia Day Awards to hard working community members who have made a positive impact in our local area.
The following major awards were given to individuals who will represent the Cessnock community at functions in 2023:
- Kayla Romaniuk, Young Citizen of the Year
- Pam Snaddon, Senior Citizen of the Year
- Robert (Bob) Bedford, Citizen of the Year
Kayla Romaniuk was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her inspirational climb to success in women’s rugby league. The football star progressed to the top from her start in the Kurri Kurri Bulldogs, featuring in the Newcastle Knights grand final win over the Parramatta Eels in 2022. Romaniuk’s climb to stardom was, and continues to be, a significant representation of young people and women in sport.
Pam Snaddon received Senior Citizen of the Year for her dedication to promoting inclusion, acceptance and a healthy lifestyle through involvement in sporting organisations in the Lower Hunter. Snaddon’s efforts organising fundraisers and implementing skills development programs have provided incredible social value to the community.
Robert (Bob) Bedford has worked tirelessly across decades to raise funds for charities and community groups. Bob has spent his entire life in the Cessnock Local Government Area, served as a Councillor for 21 years, has been involved in numerous community groups and still continues to work full time in the motoring industry, which he has also contributed heavily to for the duration of his working life.
Council would also like to congratulate the following recipients who also received Australia Day Awards:
- Vicki Steep, Marthaville Arts and Cultural Award
- Jewell Harrison, Community Award
- Ellice Schrader, Community Award
- Nadine Hickey, Community Award
- CWA Cessnock Evenings Branch, Community Award
- Cessnock State Emergency Service, Community Award
- Our Bushland Festival, Environmental Award
- Cessnock Walks Kawuma, Community Event of the Year
- Jennifer Short, Sportsperson of the Year
- Michelle Goldie, Heritage Award
Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said the Australia Day Awards were a special opportunity for the community to unite.
“Australia Day is a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of our citizens,” Mayor Suvaal said.
“We were honored to welcome our new citizens and recognize the efforts of those who had made a positive impact on our community.”
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