After more than 60 years in Australia with more than half that time in the Warren district, Thelma Healey chose Australia Day to take the oath to officially call Australia home.
The self described “ten pound Pom” made the move to Australia in 1951 to seek work after being “de-mobbed” from the navy. She was born in England to Scottish parents and home was Aberdeen, Scotland. She worked as a typist at Port Kembla for two years and spent the next 20 as a water board employee at Wollongong. During this time she met future husband Norm and the couple married in 1958. Mr Healey, a war veteran who volunteered at age 18, was wounded in New Guinea, stretchered out by fuzzy wuzzy angels and found himself in a hospital bed next to his brother Gordon. Sadly the boy’s parents both died while their sons were serving overseas.
Mr Healey worked at the steelworks in Wollongong and as a telephone technician before heading back to the bush with wife Thelma in 1978. He teamed with brothers Gordon and Doug to run the property Millmilands. Mrs Healey, who “had never before been on a farm or seen a snake”, became chief cook. After they retired the couple moved to their Frawley Street home and after her husband’s death, Mrs Healey became a resident at Calara House Hostel.
Mayor Rex Wilson officiated at the Citizenship Ceremony and congratulated Mrs Healey, who described living in Australia as “marvellous”.
Warren’s nominated Australia Day ambassador, Darren Senter, was unfortunately hospitalised, so veteran stage, television and theatre performer Noeline Brown was seconded from her original assignment at Bellingen following flooding there. Cr Wilson in his welcoming address said Warren was fortunate to have someone of Ms Brown’s stature as ambassador. Ms Brown entertained the large assembled audience with excerpts from her long and successful ongoing career from the days of black and white television to her volunteer work as a nurse’s aide in a rehab clinic; saying volunteering is worth $75 billion to the economy each year. She was also appointed Australia’s first and only Ambassador for Aging.
“Australia Day celebrates what it means to be Australian; with immigration and multiculturalism making Australia one of the most vibrant, exciting places in the world,” Ms Brown said, who thanked sponsors Woolworths and Australia Post as well as the people of Warren.
“It is a great pleasure to have come here quite by accident.”
Warren’s Citizen of the Year was Jane Russ; acknowledged for her huge contribution as chair of the 150-year committee, which presided over celebratory events throughout 2011.
The nomination included, “She turned chaos into calm… had the patience of a saint and the tactics of a commando.”
Young Citizen of the Year went to Dale Lomas, whose achievements also included contributions to the 150-year events, fundraising for his school, as well as outstanding work commitment, HSC results and gaining university entrance.
Judy Ridley was recognised for her years of Community Service, including to sports, Warren Central School and as co-ordinator of debutantes including at the 150-year ball; “the highlight of the celebrations”. Mrs Ridley also organised the school’s float for the 150-year parade as well as maypole dancing.
Accolades continued for the 150-year celebrations with the 150-year committee who organised the many events throughout the year named Community Event of the Year. Warren Shire Council’s involvement in the celebrations also earned them the Business House of the Year title.
Young Achiever went to Tessa Van Lubeck for her scholastic achievements including a highly recognised artwork that was included in an Australian and overseas tour.
Sportsperson of the Year was Jenny Quigley for being a “forceful, enthusiastic mover in everything to do with the tennis club”.
Young Sportsperson was talented all-rounder Daniel Stanley for his legendary bowls skills against senior opponents as well as participation in cricket, rugby league and tennis.
MC Kevin Taylor also thanked and acknowledged the people that worked behind the scenes to make the Australia Day celebrations a success; including the cooks, and co-organisers Darren Arthur and Teresa Shields.
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