2023 Clarence Valley Citizens of the Year Awards

Published on 25 January 2023

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Adam Wills has been named 2023 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year. The Director of the Clarence Valley Conservatorium was recognised for the extensive amount of valuable work he does to promote music in the community.


Mr Wills has volunteered as musical director at both Criterion Theatre and Pelican Playhouse and his wealth of expertise has been instrumental in driving collaboration between the two theatres in recent years. He also used his innovation with technology to ensure individual and group music lessons continued at the Conservatorium during Covid.

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Mr Wills was awarded the accolade at Clarence Valley Council's 2023 Citizens of the Year Awards at Grafton District Services Club today (25 Jan).
Other nominees: Sally Rogers, Doreen Plymin, Barbara Winters (absent).

2023 Young Citizen of the Year - Nicole Cowling:
Nicole has achieved a lot in the Lower Clarence community through her involvement with the Maclean Show Society and Maclean Scottish Association. The former Maclean Junior and Senior Showgirl volunteers much of her time to help organise community events including the Maclean Highland Gathering.
Other nominee: Charlie Beadman.

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Pictured: 2023 Young Citizen of the Year with Mayor Ian Tiley and NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis.

2023 Local Hero - Peter Martin:

Peter has devoted countless hours to growing the sport of croquet throughout the Clarence Valley. Spotted most days maintaining the lawns of his home club at Coutts Crossing, Peter encouraged and helped the formation of new croquet clubs in Yamba and Lawrence. Since suffering a stroke, he has used his life experience to encourage other stroke victims to come along and try this user-friendly sport.
Other nominees: Sally Rogers, Bruce Baxter, Mick Rogan, Roby McCabe, Warren Dawson.

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Pictured: 2023 Local Hero Peter Martin with Mayor Ian Tiley and NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis.

2023 Community Achievement - 24 Grafton Army Cadet Unit:

The Grafton Cadets consistently volunteer their time to help at events including commemorative services, Maclean Highland Gathering, Jacaranda Festival, Australia Day celebrations, March of Youth, markets, fun runs, nursing home visits, school events, dragon boat events and other family events. The cadets are regularly praised and appreciated by various community groups for their constant dedication and support to the community.
Other nominees: Kids in Capes Pty Ltd, Happy Paws Haven.
 
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Pictured: Sally Benfield from Community Achievement winner 24 Grafton Army Cadets Unit with Mayor Ian Tiley and NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis.
 

Citizenship Ceremony:

Prior to the Citizens of the Year Awards, 39 new Australian citizens were inducted in what is believed to be the biggest Citizenship Ceremony to be held in the Clarence Valley.

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The event was hosted by 2023 Citizens of the Year Ambassador, Cr Steve Pickering. Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan to welcome the new citizens, and NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis for present the awards.

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Pictured: 2022 Citizens of the Year Awards Ambassador Cr Steve Pickering, Mayor Ian Tiley, Citizen of the Year Adam Wills, Young Citizen of the Year Nicole Cowling, Local Hero Peter Martin, Sally Benfield from Community Achievement winner 24 Grafton Army Cadets Unit, NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.

Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy, Cr Karen Toms, Cr Allison Whaites, Cr Peter Johnstone, Cr Jeff Smith and Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black were among the other dignitaries present.

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