By JESSE GRAHAM
MARYSVILLE residents brought out their artistic flair for another year, celebrating Australia Day with an annual parade through the town’s main street.
On Tuesday 26 January, residents and visitors lined the streets for the parade, with cars and floats making their way down the street, before the annual awards presentation.
Marysville Men’s Shed won the parade’s best entrant, with a white truck carrying a trailer complete with turf, mowers and the Australian flag.
An honourable mention was given to the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service, which rode in style in a hand-made plane, crafted around what looked like a golf cart.
Marysville resident Beverley Fraser sang the national anthem at the event, before Australia Day awards were handed out from Murrindindi Shire Council.
The council’s Event of the Year award went to the Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend, which featured more than 30 jazz and blues acts performing in venues around the town from 16-18 October last year.
The event also featured Australia Day Ambassador, radio and television announcer, Peter Smith OAM.
Mayor Margaret Rae said the awards “demonstrate that the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement is alive and well in Murrindindi Shire”.
“The community ceremonies bring people together and provide a wonderful opportunity to mark this important occasion.
“On Australia Day, we are encouraged to celebrate in ways that are meaningful and special to us, be it with family, friends or our community.”
The Citizen of the Year award went to Yea’s Paul Bannan, for “drive, leadership and wisdom within the community”, while Eildon’s Thomas Walters was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for his volunteer work.
The Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend is expected to hold another event later this year.
