THE TWEED Shire Citizen of the Year for 2018 has been named as local Vietnam Veteran Kevin Palmer.
The award was announced by Tweed Shire Mayor Katie Milne at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium today (Friday, January 26) in front of about 300 people.
Fellow veteran and close friend Derek Sims (OAM) joined Mr Palmer on stage and Mr Sims accepted the award on Mr Palmer’s behalf due to a current medical condition.
The ceremony, which also included the citizenship ceremony for 42 new citizens, recognised the outstanding community efforts of five locals:
- Tweed Shire Arts and Cultural Achievement Award went to Wollumbin High School MADD Production.
- Tweed Shire Community Achievement Award went to Charity Cup Touch Football
- Tweed Shire Sporting Achievement Award went to Anthea Warne
- Tweed Shire Young Achiever in Community Service went to Sam Smith
- Volunteer of the Year (dual award) went to both Jenny Kidd and Pat Tate
- Tweed Shire Citizen of the Year Kevin Palmer (pictured left)
The Tweed Citizen of the Year was recognised for his outstanding representation of veterans and for continued efforts to acknowledge Vietnam Veterans as well as all those that take part in global conflicts.
Among the attendees were Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, State Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Austin Curtin represented Member for Lismore Thomas George, Tweed Shire Councillors.
The National Anthem was performed by Jemma McNicoll and Tweed Shire Australia Day Ambassador Bill Chaffrey the 2017 Tweed Citizen of the Year gave a stirring speech.
For the full report and photos check The Weekly edition on Thursday, February 1.