Citizen of the Year
Any citizen who has made a noteworthy achievement over the past twelve months is eligible for this award. The nominees are:
Described as one of Manilla’s quiet achievers, Mr Ross Knight has been a regular volunteer at the Museum for the past fifteen years. Since gaining his supervisor credentials from the Department of Correctional Services, he has been able to organise renovations and manual labour assistance through community service and the Working for the Dole program.
Mr David Ridgewell is a regular volunteer at Manilla Central Secondary School. He also waters the flowers at the towns without being asked. Mr Ridgewell is described as ‘an all round an amazing person to know and be around at any time of the day’.
Mr Tim Scanlon is a local business owner who has been a successful president of the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group for the past eight years. He helped organise the annual rally each June long weekend, which attracted over three thousand people and helped raise money for local charities.
Community Event of the Year
This award is given to any community event which has made a positive impact in the community. The nominees are:
The Manilla RSL Sub Branch have been nominated for their work in organising Anzac Day celebrations at the Manilla Show Ground. This was the first time in 103 years that the event had not been held in the Main Street. As one of a few celebrations that were able to go ahead across the state. The event was a success and compliant with all COVID-19 rules.
The Manilla Fire and Rescue Crew bought in the Christmas cheer for children’s and families with the Annual Christmas Run in December. The crew are to be commended for their dedication towards the event outside of their responsibilities in protecting our community. It was especially great to see Santa himself riding on the Fire and Rescue Wagon with flashing lights, sirens, and bells in full operation.
Each year the Manilla Vintage Machinery Group host a rally on the June long weekend. The event went ahead in 2021 and despite the impact of COVID-19, it attracted over 3,000 people. The event brings together a whole range of community groups. This event brings enormous value to local businesses, and accommodation providers; while bringing some camaraderie to Manilla.
Achiever of the Year
This award is given to any community member under 23 years old who has had an outstanding achievement over the past twelve months.
Mr Jake Davey is a Manilla local who works as a diesel mechanic with Peel Valley Machinery and is a competitive shooter. His dream is to shoot for Australia and in 2019, he was one point shy of making the National Team and competing in the World Euro Championships. He is a reliable and trustworthy member of the Manilla Fire and Rescue Group and is a loving husband and proud father.
Young Citizen of the Year
This award is given to an individual aged below 25 years who have given service in a volunteer capacity: The nominees are:
Ms Rayah Fletcher is an outstanding role model at Manilla Central School. Rayah has been completing her School based Traineeship, Human Services Certificate Assistance III with Hunter New England Health at Manilla Health One. For her efforts, she received a Highly Commended award for School Based Trainees in the New England Region. Ms Fletcher recently represented Manilla at the Lions Youth of the Year competition.
Mr Michael Purtle has been nominated for his exception work as an auctioneer at Purtle Plevey Manilla. Mr Purtle has had wonderful success in this role, where he recently won the regional leg of the Real Estate Institute NSW Novice Auctioneer and will also compete at the Young Auctioneers Competition at the 2022 Royal Easter Show. Michael also plays first grade with Tamworth Pirates and was selected to represent Central North and NSW Country Rugby.
