The city regaled in the spirit of celebration to mark Australia Day on Sunday. Many turned up to Victoria Park, despite the heat, to acknowledge the contributions of fellow citizens to the community.
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Mission Australia south-east NSW/ACT manager Daniel Strickland was named the Citizen of the Year. He is also heavily involved in many community organisations and committees.
His fellow nominee, Ashley Kara, is to be admitted to the Goulburn Mulwaree Council's Sporting Hall of Fame as a driving force behind the first women's rugby union team in Goulburn's history.
"I have a passion for my community and know the more I put in, the more I get out for myself, my family and my community," Mr Strickland said.
Goulburn Lilac Time Festival was named the Community Event of the Year.
Kate Easlea was named Young Citizen of the Year; and an encouragement award was given to her fellow nominee, Koby Andrews.
"It's a day for us to appreciate the privileges and freedom that we enjoy," Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Bob Kirk said.
Representatives from various organisations who comprise local emergency services were also acknowledged and thanked.
"These ... people, along with members of their respective organisations, are keeping our communities safe, for which we are grateful," Cr Kirk said.
Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, highlighted the importance of volunteerism.
"It's an important day where we show our respect, reflect and celebrate," Mr Taylor said.
"It has been a tough summer and continues to be. It's important that we pay our respect to the volunteers and service providers.
"During my travel to areas [such as] Bundanoon [and] Bungonia, we have seen tragedy, but have also seen extraordinary service.
"On the ground, communities have been united in their support for each other through a very tough time.
"Volunteerism has been essential to our values, history and contribution that Australians makes."
Twenty four new citizens were welcomed during the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day in Goulburn.
Local radio 2GN news reader Michael Prevedello was in his element as Goulburn's Australia Day ambassador.
Born in Queensland in the early 1950s, Mr Prevedello moved to Goulburn in 1969 with family.
He shared his journey in Goulburn, where he worked with 2GN for 13 years, ran the Mulwaree Hotel, served on Goulburn Mulwaree Council, was involved in Goulburn Apex Club and later the Rotary Club of Goulburn Mulwaree, and the Catholic Parish Council.
"Goulburn has given me a lot. The opportunities are there if you want them from this community, but you have to put in," he said.
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"I say to the youths, you need to give back to get benefits. They won't be handed to you. Put your hand up and grab the opportunity.
"The community will become stronger with the involvement of more locals."
He motivated people to be involved in community services.
"There are challenges in community services today. It makes it more important than ever," he said.
"Organisations bind the community together and they are city's great reserve.
"Through the unfortunate bushfires crisis, we have witnessed the strength of the community service through bushfire and through service clubs and charities helping with the recovery.
"Goulburn has that strength. It is the most generous community that I know.
"Whenever there is a cause to be served, Goulburn digs right into its pockets and makes it happen, one way or another."
The official ceremony commenced with a choir performance I Am Australian by VOCALOCAL followed by the raising of the national flag by Girl Guides.
The Goulburn District Services Club Pipe Band accompanied mayor Bob Kirk, Mr Prevedello and Hume MP Angus Taylor.
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