Glen Innes Severn’s Australia Day celebrations began in true country style with a “breakfast of champions” at Red Range Hall, where the Red Range Hall Committee pulled off a near-miraculous loaves and fishes effort. Locals and visitors alike enjoyed barbecued sausage and egg, steak and onion sandwiches, with generously donated steak from Rangers Valley earning particular appreciation.
Australia Day Ambassador Dr Clio Cresswell set the tone with a short but engaging address that proved even mathematics can entertain on a public holiday morning.
Festivities then moved to the Glen Innes Services Club, where the Glen Innes Lady Lions served a much-enjoyed morning tea of fresh scones and cream—judging by the empty plates, a resounding success.
Musical entertainment was provided by local favourite Matt Scullion, freshly returned from Tamworth’s Country Music Festival. His mix of classic tunes and original songs had the room clapping and singing along, with his stirring rendition of Celtic Home drawing a rousing round of applause.
The official ceremony, MC’d by General Manager Bernard Smith, saw Mayor Davis welcome the official party, including past Citizens of the Year Robert and Jenny Thomas, and 2025 Young Citizen of the Year Rory Husband. Dr Cresswell’s formal address offered thoughtful reflections that resonated strongly with the audience. A highlight of the morning was the warm welcome extended to a new Australian citizen, followed by the reaffirmation of citizenship by many in attendance.
Community awards were then announced, celebrating the region’s outstanding volunteers and contributors. Deepwater Anglican Church was named Community Organisation of the Year; Isobel King received Young Sportsperson of the Year; Danny Armstrong was awarded Senior Sportsperson of the Year; and Glenrac’s Men’s Night Out was recognised as Community Event of the Year.
In a strong field of nominees, Narelle Pietsch was awarded Citizen of the Year, acknowledged for her remarkable and long-standing commitment to multiple community organisations across the district.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the Australia Day cake by OAM recipients Jan Lemon, Lyn Cregan, Kerry Sturtridge and Jim Wilson, before a high-energy performance from Glen Innes High School Dancers brought the celebrations to a joyful close.
