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"TAREE'S been good to us and we're just happy to give back."
So said Jill Illidge, who along with husband Rod was named as the Greater Taree citizen of the year at today's Australia Day 2016 ceremony.
The pair was one of six nominated for the award which recognised their work as hosts of Camp Memories, which offers an annual camp out for children with disability and their families on the Illidges' Greater Taree property.
They were also recognised for other community work which includes assisting in the Tidy Up Taree initiative, hosting international exchange students and fundraising efforts for various causes including the Nias tsunami appeal.
Other award winners included young citizen of the year Mitchell Brown, who was recognised for his work in the local music community, particularly as a member of the Youth Frontiers Mentoring program.
Through the program Mitch helped raise funds that assisted with the purchase of musical equipment which was donated to Taree Public School.
The Ken McDonald Memorial sportstar of the year went to Sam Mudford who was named in the Australian All Schools hockey team to tour South Africa later this year.
The Taree parkrun was named as the community event of the year.
The parkrun is a free, timed weekly running event that takes place every Saturday along Taree's river foreshore.
The event started nine months ago and attracts on average more than 100 runners each week.
The Manning Entertainment Centre provided the perfect location for the ceremony, with Greater Taree City mayor Paul Hogan saying in his opening address that "the MEC" was as full as he'd ever seen it.
Celebrations kicked off early with entertainment by the Greater Taree City Band starting at 7.15am and a free breakfast hosted by combined service clubs in conjunction with Greater Taree City Council.
Musician Jake Davis provided entertainment during breakfast before the formal proceedings at 9am.
Pastor Russell Saunders opened with a didgeridoo performance and the welcome to country before an address from Mayor Hogan and Taree Christian College captains Sarah Mayers and Braidy Chick.
Taree then welcomed three new Australians with a citizenship ceremony before an address by Australia Day ambassador Michael Diessel.
Mr Diessel has been an active member of the Manning community since moving here in 1993 for work, having dedicated countless hours of his time through his involvement with at least seven clubs and community initiatives over the years.
The award ceremony then followed with celebrations concluding with a morning tea.
lachlan.leeming@fairfaxmedia.com.au