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Let’s Celebrate Australia Day in the Hawkesbury

Celebrate Australia Day in the Hawkesbury at Hawkesbury City Council’s official Australia Day events with this year’s Ambassador, Karen Banton.

Karen Banton is the CEO of the Bernie Banton Foundation. Karen is a strong advocate on behalf of asbestos disease sufferers and their families. Karen has a remarkable story to share. Since the death of her husband, she has fervently continued Bernie’s legacy and has now become the public face for the cause and the ongoing fight for justice.

Karen cared for Bernie as he suffered ‘pleural plaques’, an asbestos related disease, and she nursed him as he bravely endured mesothelioma. Her comprehensive understanding of how these diseases adversely affect sufferers and their families is evident in the compassionate manner in which she deals with all who are touched by these insidious conditions.

Karen says that the dumping of asbestos happens everywhere and is still a problem across the country, and will be for a long time to come. She says that there needs to be more government incentives/subsidies to dispose of asbestos to avoid dumping.

Hawkesbury Council is proud to support Karen’s efforts in raising awareness about asbestos and has actively participated in the NSW EPA’s Householders Asbestos Disposal Scheme trial, between November 2014 and September 2015. During this period, 46 Hawkesbury households received free asbestos collections, saving them $420.58 each on average, collecting a total of 5.06 tonnes of asbestos that was disposed of responsibly. Free household asbestos collections will be available later in 2017, and more information will be on Council’s website, www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au.

Australia Day Ambassador, Karen Banton will speak at Council’s two official Australia Day events.

Join the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Mary Lyons-Buckett at the Hawkesbury Citizenship Ceremony to be held at the Windsor Function Centre at 9am on Thursday, 26 January 2017.

39 new citizens will be welcomed to Australia from a diverse range of cultures. New citizens originate from Czech Republic, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Following the Citizenship Ceremony, the Hawkesbury Australia Day Awards Ceremony will be held at midday at the same venue. In a much anticipated event the Hawkesbury Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced, recognising contributions to the Hawkesbury by these dedicated individuals.

Other presentations to be made include the Local Hero award and Community Organisation of the Year award, as well as awards recognising contributions to the arts and cultural heritage. The announcement of the Commemorative Plaque will also be made on the day.

RSVP for each event is essential for catering purposes – email [email protected] or call (02) 4560 4444.

Community organisations planning events for Australia Day are also invited to be a part of an Australia Day Calendar of Events for the Hawkesbury.

The Calendar of Events will be promoted through Council’s media channels and will appear on Council’s website. To submit details about your event for the Australia Day Calendar, visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au and complete the events calendar registration form. Forms must be submitted by 5pm Friday, 13 January 2017 to be included.

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