THE Shire of Northam conducted its Australia Day ceremony last Monday at Bernard Park.
The morning began with a barbecue breakfast courtesy of the Northam Apex Club.
The Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band provided music from the Sound Shell and the Northam Scouts conducted a flag raising ceremony.
A citizenship ceremony began official proceedings at 8.45am with six new Australians welcomed.
The Woolworths Australia Day ambassador was Brian Greedy.
In a speech, Mr Greedy reflected on Australia's past and future, emphasising the importance of the freedoms Australians currently enjoy.
For the presentation of the Premier's Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards which followed there were two categories - one for community groups and another for an individual award.
The winner of the community group award went to Sing Australia.
The Sing Australia choir is a community group that come together weekly under the direction of Northam identity Kay Ruscoe.
The group welcomes all community members who have a love of singing and together this group creates music while enjoying the company of others.
Sing Australia gives opportunity to meet new friends, engage in music education and gives performances to various groups within the town, including the elderly and the detainees at Yongah Hill.
For the first time, judges could not separate the individual award category.
The three nominees included RadioWest presenter Bryan French, Share and Care driver Trevor White and community member Trish Hamilton.
Ultimately, the award was shared by Mr French and Ms Hamilton.
Mr French is a well-known member of the community through his work with Radio West.
He also dedicates much of his spare time and efforts beyond his employment requirements by actively supporting community groups and by fundraising for many worthy community causes, but particularly for children's needs.
Ms Hamilton has been a remarkable member of the Northam Community for 70 years.
She works hard throughout the year to create activities for senior citizens and other residents who like to learn.
Now a resident of Wundowie, she spends many hours as a dedicated volunteer for the Wundowie community, including 10 years organising the Wundowie Iron Festival, 10 years as president of the Wundowie Progress Association and her involvement in the formation of the Wundowie Youth Group the "No Name Gang".
Ms Hamilton is also a talented artist, using her talent to create pieces of art which benefit the community; and has been an active member of the Wundowie Historical Society for many years.
