AUSTRALIA Day in Leeton this year has been labelled "the best yet" by Leeton Shire councillor and Australia Day committee chairman George Weston.
Various activities were held throughout the shire on Tuesday, including breakfasts, cricket games and an official ceremony in Mountford Park.
"So many people have been coming up and saying this was the best Australia Day in many years," Cr Weston said.
"To have people say that is just fantastic and I haven't heard of any hiccups that may have happened on the day.
"All of the events held across the shire were well-attended by all reports, which might be due to the fact Australia Day is growing bigger and better each year."
Australia Day is celebrated each year on January 26, with many activities and events held across the country.
Cr Weston was pleased residents had supported the many events happening in and around Leeton.
"Our Australia Day Ambassador Ben Austin really enjoyed himself," he said.
"He was a very humbling man and said this was the best Australia Day he had attended since becoming an ambassador.
"He spoke to both the Leeton Swimming Club and Yanco Amateur Swimming Club and enjoyed the great sense of community spirit.
"The entire day was a great way to showcase some of our great facilities here in Leeton."
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Leeton celebrates in style
By TALIA PATTISON
AUSTRALIA Day can mean many things to many people.
Leeton celebrated Australia's national day on Tuesday with a variety of different events.
A breakfast was put on by the Rotary Club of Leeton in Mountford Park to kick things off, with entertainment provided by the Leeton Town Band.
Residents turned out in their hundreds for the ceremony, which included the singing of the national anthem, a welcome to country, address from Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom and presentation of the Australia Day shire awards.
Australia Day Ambassador Ben Austin and Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli also addressed the crowd.
David Boots was awarded Citizen of the Year for his tireless work, commitment and support to the Leeton community for more than 50 years.
Mr Boots has supported many organisations in the Leeton community, including sporting clubs, schools and Assumption Villa, both through his business and as an individual.
Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to George Young for his service to the community.
George Weston was announced as the 2010 Achiever of the Year for his work within many organisations in Leeton, while Jacob Hopper was awarded Young Achiever of the Year for his academic and sporting achievements.
The official ceremony was MC'd by Australia Day committee member Brian McKellar.
"Leeton has many citizens worthy of awards," Mr McKellar said.
"Those who were nominated were noticed by others in the community for all they do.
"They should all be very proud of their achievements."
The Leeton Town Band was also presented with a certificate to thank them for their continued contribution to Australia Day festivities in Leeton.
A party was also held at the Leeton pool on Tuesday afternoon, where residents relished the opportunity to escape the heat and enjoy the activities on offer.
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