Yerong Creek residents Ross Edwards and Tony Yates share this accolade for 2012.
Ross Edwards
Ross Edwards involvement in local organisations and committees is many and varied including
- The Yerong Creek Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association for many years, during which time he held office as President for a number of years
- A representative on the District Council of P&C
- Current Chairman of the Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD) and a member there for many years
- Current member of the Yerong Creek Bush Fire Brigade
- Current member of the Yerong Creek Bowling Club
- Current President of the Yerong Creek Recreation Ground Committee - organising painting and sprucing up working bees and modernizing the tennis storage shed
- Past member of the Yerong Creek Hall Committee as member, Director and President and with others was responsible for modernizing the western side
- Past member of the Yerong Creek Parks and Gardens Committee
- An elected Councillor on Lockhart Shire Council for 12 years representing C Riding
- Representative on Riverina Water County Council
The following extraction is taken from Ross’ nomination form for his Citizenship Award -
“During the drought years it was common to see Ross with a cart load of water giving the trees in town a drink.
Ross shows compassion to those suffering the loss of loved ones, organising seating and amenities at Church before funeral services.
Using his gift for words he has provided references for many a child in Yerong Creek, assisting them in obtaining jobs.
Not really a sports person he has been seen on the football field with his whistle, umpiring kids football matches for many years - the kids loved him for this.
Ross has a constant habit of putting others first, of “just doing the job”, of showing, through his actions and deeds, what it means to be community minded and is an outstanding example of a good citizen”.
When accepting his Award Ross said he felt humbled receiving the accolade and said it was an honour to share it with Tony Yates.
Thanking his wife, family and employees for the time they had given up Ross said “It’s the team behind you that make things happen.”
“As a small town (Yerong Creek) we fight to get things we need so we all have to pull our weight -if we see trees that are thirsty we should water them, if we see rubbish in the street we should pick it up. It enhances our community - do it!”
Tony Yates
Tony’s memberships/involvement include -
- The Rock/Yerong Creek Junior (Under 11’s) Football Club and Assistant Coach 2009
- Yerong Creek Bowling Club Committee, as Vice President/Director/Licensee from 2008 to present
- President of the Yerong Creek Hall Committee from 2007 to present
- Treasurer of the Yerong Creek Recreation Ground Committee, 2006 to present
- Member of The Rock Yerong Creek Football Club 50 year Reunion Committee, to be held in April 2012
- Treasurer and player with The Rock Yerong Creek Cricket Club 1999 to present and was awarded Life Member in 2010
- Member of Yerong Creek School Council 2009
- P & C Grants Officer 2008 to 2010
- Member of the Yerong Creek Bush Fire Brigade/Rural Fire Service for 30 years
The following extraction is taken from Tony’s nomination form for his Citizenship Award -
“Tony was a key facilitator in the Yerong Creek Hall redevelopment project which has provided the community with a facility that will preserve and define the community spirit by providing a central meeting point for many years to come.
Tony has made his nominator feel “proud to be an Australian”, his “call of duty” to the community, family and friends and his tireless work for the community in a quiet and unassuming “get things done” way is inspirational and epitomizes what is good about being an Aussie.”
Unable to attend the Australia Day Ceremony Tony’s father, John Yates, accepted the Award on his behalf.
John said that Tony would be extremely happy to receive the Award and, quoting his son, “Tony says if a town’s worth living in, it’s worth working for.”
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