NIMMITABEL'S Australia Day ceremony at Lake Williams included the annual presentation of Service to Community awards.

This year's worthy recipients were Gary Hayes and Linda Evans.

Their certificate citation reads: "In recognition and appreciation of the valuable time, effort and commitment given by you to the local community".

A large crowd was in attendance to congratulate this year's award recipients and enjoy the celebrations, hosted by the Nimmitabel Advance Group (NAG) and Nimmitabel Lions Club.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council Councillors Tanya Higgins, Lynda Summers and Narelle Davis, Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, Nimmitabel Show Society Young Woman of 2025, Charlotte Pateman, and Nimmitabel's Rural Achiever program representative, Taya Evans, were part of the official ceremony.

Councillor Higgins opened the official proceedings by welcoming all in attendance.

"Australia Day can be a tricky day for some people and I would like to acknowledge it may feel different to some people and that is ok," Cr Higgins said.

"We are all here today and that is part of what we can celebrate today, standing together celebrating the survival of Aboriginal people and how they have invited us to share the oldest living culture with us.

"We celebrate a lot of things, coming together recognising that we are in the lucky country...our beautiful natural environment, our weather and that facilitates our great lifestyle we have, our diversity of culture and experience and beliefs, and our community.

"As you all know I love community and Nimmitabel has that in spades."

Cr Higgins said the best thing about the Snowy Monaro is its people.

"We're tough, but we are also spirited and happy, hopeful and active. A community like Nimmitabel, the small towns and villages we have, absolutely encompass what that is.

"I see how the people of Nimmitabel work together for better outcomes," Cr Higgins said.

"Nimmitabel is a shining example of how all of you in different groups, and as individuals, work together to make Nimmitabel welcoming, safe and supportive.

"It is an honour to join you today as you celebrate that success and recognise the efforts of those in your community who have made a difference."

As part of the program, Nimmitabel Show Society president, Ben Litchfield, was given the opportunity to speak about last Saturday's 2025 Nimmitabel Show and also introduced two younger generation volunteers, Taya Evans and Charlotte Pateman, and Cr Davis addressed those gathered at the ceremony.

"Congratulations to Taya and Charlotte, it's so good to have the next generation of Nimmitabel young people being really involved in our community," Clr Davis said.

"I am absolutely passionate about volunteers and the fact that volunteers are our quiet achievers, our unsung heroes in our community and there are so many families present today that have generations of volunteering.

"We should be so proud of what we achieve."

Clr Davis thanked and congratulated the NAG and Lions for planning and hosting a wonderful community day each year.

The first of the two Community Service Awards was presented to Gary Hayes by Cr Summers.

NAG president, Vickie Pollard, said Mr Hayes has contributed to various groups and organisations in Nimmitabel for more than 20 years.

"Gary may have gone unnoticed over many of these years, but he has given huge amounts of hours and energy to help groups and organisations in our village," she said.

"Gary was a member of the NAG in the early years and it was during this time with NAG, he worked on a water committee campaigning for improvements to the quality and quantity of our village water supply. Over a period of 10 years Gary volunteered for community radio 2MNO as a presenter and programmer.

"In 2010 Gary volunteered his time and expertise editing a booklet for the 60 years' reunion of the people who worked on Snowy 1. Gary joined the Nimmitabel Men's Shed, volunteering as secretary from 2013 to 2017, as a volunteer Gary was also secretary for three years for the Australian Labor Party's Cooma branch.

"He was a volunteer member for the Nimmitabel Pioneer Hall Committee and volunteers at the St Andrew's Church Committee."

The second community service certificate was awarded to Linda Evans, presented by Cr Higgins.

"Linda has been a part of the Nimmitabel community for many years, since marrying husband Skeety in 1997.," Ms Pollard said.

"As a volunteer Linda is always reliable and willing to make an ongoing commitment to any organisation, so that together they can serve their community and help make a real difference.

"Like many volunteers, Linda has dedicated many hours of her time to help various community groups within our village.

"Linda was very involved with the pre-school and primary school while her three children were there. As her own children progressed in school, Linda turned towards early childhood education as a career, taking on study as part of an already busy life.

"Linda worked as a teachers' aide at Nimmitabel Public School and then became pre-school director for a number of years. Linda now works with the students at Nimmitabel Primary School.

"Many children have been helped to begin their education under Linda's watchful eye and care.

"Both Linda and Skeety have contributed many years' of service with the Nimmitabel Pony Club. Linda was an active parent, volunteer and organiser, as soon as their children were members. Pony club was a big part of the Evans family life for years," Ms Pollard said.

"Now that the club has adult riders, and without children to run after, Linda, is herself able to ride and compete with pony club. The volunteer workload has not decreased, and Linda recently spent many hours working to ensure the Nimmitabel Gymkhana went ahead in 2024 for the first time in years.

"Linda spends a great deal of time at the Nimmitabel Show each year, taking on any job is required in the horse rings, working before and after the show to set up and clean up.

"She and Skeety have long supported many sports through the Nimmitabel Magpies, the Evans Cup for school sport and sponsorship at the show events.

"Linda is an inspirational role model for us all, and the Australia Day 2025 Community Service Award is an honourable way to recognise Linda's outstanding contribution she has made over the past years to local community," Ms Pollard said.

"Volunteers are, and always will be, a community’s greatest asset."

On accepting their award, Mr Hayes and Ms Evans both stated how honoured they were to receive the award, and to be a part of a fantastic community and village.