Col is Shire Citizen of the Year

Perfect conditions prevailed for the 2015 Parkes Australia Day ceremony in Cooke Park on Monday.

A slight change was made to the location of the event within the park, to take advantage of more shade for people in attendance.

But as Parkes Mayor Ken Keith said it meant him and Deputy Mayor, Alan Ward ‘taking one for the team’ because they were seated in the sun!

The attendance for the celebration was slightly down which Mayor Keith attributed to the fact the day fell on a long weekend.

The major award of the day was the Citizen of the Year which went toTrundle resident Col Quade.

Mr Quade has been a tireless worker with many different groups in the town for decades and was announced winner over four other nominees - Kath Swansbra, Wilbur Harris, Amanda Corcoran, and fellow Trundle resident Dr Martes Alison.

A humble Mr Quade said he was a very proud Trundle resident, and that there were many, many others in the town who also did a great deal of work for their community.

He also praised the strong support the town receives from Parkes Shire Council.

Mr Quade received his coveted honour from Parkes’ Australia Day Ambassador, paralympian Annabelle Williams who proved an outstanding guest.

Annabelle is an OAMrecipient and gave an inspirational address on her amazing swimming career which has included medals at Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

She said winning gold (n London in the relay) was a fantastic feeling, but stressed the feeling of teamwork, friendship and hard work was more rewarding.

“We shared a moment in time which we will always have,” she said.

Annabelle stressed she met many, many people with disabilities who were inspirational in so many ways.  

Mayor Keith reminded residents how fortunate they were to live in a country where they could live their lives without fear.

“And lucky to be doing it right here in Parkes.”