The 2012 Citizen of the Year was awarded to Byron Bay resident Paul Irwin. He was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Byron Bay Surf Life Saving and his dedication to the improvement of sports facilities in the Shire. Photo Jeff Dawson

Despite the wet and cancellations, Australia Day was celebrated by around 100 people in the Mullum Civic Hall last Thursday.

Nigel Stewart from National Parks gave an Arakwal welcome while elder Peter Marshall gave a dance demonstration. Mayor Jan Barham presented awards while MP Don Page and Shirley Nelson OAM both gave speeches. 

MP Page told the audience that democracy, women’s rights, freedom of religion, speech and association, opportunity and diversity are all Australian characteristics that should be celebrated.

‘In 1902, we were the second country in the world to give women the vote,’ he said.

Ms Nelson, a former Byron Bay hospital nurse and community worker, paid tribute to George Feros, who worked tirelessly with others to start Byron’s first aged care facility.