Aboriginal Elders Deanna Davison, Margaret Dixon and Colleen Dixon welcomed the crowd to Ngarigo country and raised the aboriginal flag.

Indya Povey won Young Citizen of the Year. Mayor John Cahill said even more impressive than her equestrian prowess was Miss Povey’s unwavering sportsmanship. Miss Povey is known for being gracious with her competitors, no matter who wins or loses.

Dalgety Women’s Day was recognised as the Event of the Year and Narelle Willems, Snowy Neighbourhood Centre coordinator, called all participants present to join her in receiving the award.

Mrs Willems said 2009 was her first “active” year with the event and she looks forward to many more.

Finally, Reg Bowden, 85, received Snowy River Local Citizen of the Year for his volunteering and general helpfulness in the community.

In presenting the award, Cr Cahill said among his many other gifts to the community, Mr Bowden’s time spent with widows was particularly kind and thoughtful. Mr Bowden teaches newly widowed women how to solve practical problems their husbands may have solved for them all their married lives.

Mr Bowden said organisers might have made an administrative error giving him the award but he was pleased to receive it anyway. He said it was important to draw people into the community and not let them spend their time solely with televisions and computers.

Master of Ceremonies, Rob Staples, called on those interested to join the Lions Club. He said Lions’ members in the Berridale chapter have fallen below 20.