NATIONAL pride was on full display yesterday as the Derwent Valley celebrated Australia Day in style.
Hundreds of people converged on the Esplanade in New Norfolk for a day of Australia Day celebrations, including a fun run and the 2016 Australia Day Awards, which celebrated outstanding citizens in the Derwent Valley. 
The Citizen of the Year award was won by Joanne Radkewicz for her volunteer work with both the New Norfolk Historic Information Centre and the Derwent Valley community choir.
Derwent Valley   Mayor Martyn Evans commended Mrs Radkewicz for outstanding service to the Valley.
"She's hard working and behind the scenes," he said.
"When you ask who is Jo most people don't know. And that's something when people don't look for accolades they go and do it because they want to do it for their community or a series of people and that's what the reward is." Other major award winners included Shakira Bone, winning the young citizen of the year award for her volunteer work at Corumbene Nursing Home and the Tasmanian Dogs Home, the Fairview Primary School Association, winning the Community Event of the Year Award for their Taste of Fairview event, and the New Norfolk Rowing club under-21 men - Matt Byrne and Nathanial Graham - winning the Sports Team of the Year Award.
TO PAGE 5 FROM PAGE 1 Councillor Evans said the awards were always special to recognise those in the Derwent Valley for their achievements.
"Being here today to actually acknowledge the achievements from people within the community who have gone above and beyond normally what would happen is great and for them to be recognised for their contributions to our wonderful Derwent Valley," he said.
"They exemplify being Australian." Many of the people who attended the celebrations came decked out in Australian flags to show off their national pride.
James Horne attends the event every year and even covers his car in Australian flags to help celebrate the occasion.
"The spirit of Australia is in us all and it's a good time to get the family and friends and everyone together and just basically enjoy the day," he said. "I'm a pretty good patriot when it comes to Australia Day. I love Aussie Day and I do enjoy them very readily." The celebrations weren't just centred around the Esplanade with Australia Day awards given to two prominent people associated with the Derwent Valley.
Former Legislative Council member for Derwent, Tasmanian treasurer and New Norfolk Football Club president Michael Aird was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Parliament and community of Tasmania, particularly to infrastructure development and micro-economic reform.
Mr Aird said he held fond memories of his time representing the Derwent Valley."I look at my time as a member for Derwent with a great deal of affection and representing the people of the Derwent Valley and other parts of the electorate," he said. "I got a lot of enjoyment out of it and I hope that there are many things that the people can look to that I know that I have assisted in their wellbeing." Gretna Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Colin Cunningham also received an Australia Day Award, being given an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his long service to Gretna and the community since 1989.