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Oz Day a star attraction in Jabiru

31 January 2014

Jason Tambling (right) collects an Australia Day Award behalf of his nephew, Darryl Tambling, from special guest MC Craig ‘Crackers’ Hand. Darryl Tambling won the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.  Jason Tambling (right) collects an Australia Day Award behalf of his nephew, Darryl Tambling, from special guest MC Craig ‘Crackers’ Hand. Darryl Tambling won the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. 

AUSTRALIA Day went off like a frog in a sock last weekend, with a packed house at the Jabiru Golf Club for the Awards, free buffet lunch and Family Fun Day. 

The West Arnhem Regional Council named Jim Wilson Citizen of the Year for his quiet, ongoing support of Indigenous communities and outstations. Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Darryl Tambling, the first Indigenous community student to win School Captain at Jabiru Area School. The Kakadu Triathlon voted the Community Event of the Year.

The Award winners proved popular with the crowd. Awards presenter, special guest Craig ‘Crackers’ Hand, took time out from his adventures to keep the day rolling with competitions, spot prizes, and kids’ games. He said the people of Jabiru had been “helpful, cheerful and hospitable”.

“I couldn’t believe the good manners of the kids. Some who had already won prizes returned them to give to kids who didn’t win any.”

Adults and kids from all walks of life came along, bedecked in wigs, flags and temporary tattoos, to enjoy the Ambrose competition, treasure hunt, slip’n’slide, foot race, egg catching with parents, A Pavlova Bake-Off, and of course the traditional Jabiru Thong Throw. This year, the Thong Throw featured a 1.5m inflatable Aussie flip-flop, which helped even out the competition with some unpredictable aerodynamics.

Mick and the lads from the Jabiru Fire Station turned up to hose down hot and sweaty parents and kids during the foot race. For those who went the distance and survived the children’s games, Crackers organised Cane Toad Racing and a pool competition. 

Jim Wilson 
Citizen of the Year 
A long-time Jabiru resident whose charity work has gone unnoticed, Jim repairs and maintains equipment on outstations at his own cost.
He is always there to assist with community events and funerals, giving his own time and money to help local people and the surrounding communities.
Jim has assisted the Aboriginal people of Jabiru, and employs, teaches and mentors young Indigenous men.
He has helped keep up a supply of meat to Aboriginal communities at his own cost
Jim received five nominations.

Darryl Tambling 
Young Citizen of the Year
A gentle, well-mannered and caring young man, Darryl not only won School Captain at Jabiru Area School, but also held the Sports Captain position for his House.
After winning a school-based apprenticeship with Energy Resources of Australia (ERA), Darryl proved himself with a 100% attendance record during his apprenticeship.
An outstanding young man who graduated last year against all odds, Darryl mentors younger captains in Year 6, and represented Jabiru at the Youth Leadership Camp in Canberra.
Jason Tambling graciously accepted the Award on behalf of his nephew, Darryl Tambling.

Kakadu Triathlon 
Community Event of the Year 
Kakadu Triathlon Event and Sponsorship Coordinator Leona Katzer and Catering Coordinator Ashley De Sair accepted the Award on behalf of the the Kakadu Triathlon Organising Committee,
The inaugural Kakadu Triathlon won the Australia Day Community Event of the Year for its contribution to building community cohesiveness. 
The Triathlon attracted 91 competitors from all sectors of the community, raising $7300 for Care Flight NT.
The event was supported by 30 local and four Darwin organisations.
The   Jabiru Area School also deserves a special mention for the School Fete and ‘Jabiru’s Got Talent’ show held last year.
A runner-up in the Awards, the Fete attracted 800 people and raised $2000 for Mahbilil Festival.
It drew a large number of participants, from the wider community as well as students, raising funds for the school to purchase Home Economics equipment.
This year’s Australia Day events would not have been possible without support from:
Gagadju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Jabiru Foodland, Kakadu Bakery, Jabiru Clothing, Two Rivers Newsagency, Muzz-za’s Kitchen, Blueridge Engineering, the Jabiru Fire Station and the Jabiru Golf Club.
The West Arnhem Regional Council acknowledges the support of the Australia Day Council NT for their generous sponsorship.

Tracy Spicer, Peter Veldhoen and Sandie Beaumont display their Aussie pride to win Best Dressed in the Jabiru Golf Club Australia Day Ambrose event. Tracy Spicer, Peter Veldhoen and Sandie Beaumont display their Aussie pride to win Best Dressed in the Jabiru Golf Club Australia Day Ambrose event.

Champo wins a $50 voucher from Muzz-za’s in the ‘grown-up’ category of the Jabiru Thong Throw. Champo wins a $50 voucher from Muzz-za’s in the ‘grown-up’ category of the Jabiru Thong Throw.