East Coast breaks tradition with Australia Day eve twilight market

After the market, the community gathered in Portland Hall for the Australia Day awards ceremony, which mayor Mick Tuucker said was one of his favourite duties.

“As a small, regional community we rely heavily on our community members to volunteer,” Cr Tucker said.

Break O’Day’s 2019 Australia Day ambassador was Bob Clifford, of Incat.

“Bob is a real Tasmanian icon who continues to showcase the innovation of Tasmanian ship building to the rest of the world,” he said.

Break O’Day’s Municipality Excellence Awards went to Sally Felmingham – who has been involved with Cub Scouts for 18 years, delivers Meals on Wheels and runs the tip shop – and driving and literacy mentor, Rotary president and community group member, Stephen Jones.

“There is just simply nothing that Sally wouldn’t do for her community,” Cr Tucker said.

“Stephen is a real touch-stone of our community, working with various groups and individuals from all walks of life for no other reason than the joy of seeing people succeed,” he said.

The Mayor’s Special Award was given to Margaret Torrens, who has worked at the St Helens School Op Shop for 31 years.

“The School Op shop has proven itself to be a great fundraiser for the school, but its success lies firmly in the hands of dedicated volunteers like Margaret,” he said.

Football and netball club volunteer Ebony Duke received the Mayor’s Young Citizen Special Award.

“Ebony is a true role model for our youth.”

Break O’Day Community Service Award went to Medea Park volunteer and prolific knitter Jessie Presnell.

“Jessie is a much loved resident by staff and Medea Park residents alike, and someone for our whole community to look up to and aspire to,” Cr Tucker said.

Break O’Day’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year is Melanie Norton and Young Australian Citizen of the Year is April Bromley.

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