Achievers rewarded for efforts

As part of the awards on Sunday, Di Frazer was named achiever of the year and Tess Staines as junior achiever of the year. 

Mrs Frazer was nominated for her service to the community and her support of many fund-raisers. 

"I'm very lost," she said. 

"I'm pretty good at talking, but I'm lost over this. 

"I want to thank everyone for being so supportive and I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful Australia Day.

"One half of this award should probably also go to my husband because he is always helping me out."

After a busy year representing the Riverina in four sports, as well as taking on the role of captain at Parkview Public School, Tess was excited to receive the junior achiever of the year honour. 

"I want to thank my school for helping me and my parents for taking me everywhere," she said. 

The award of lifelong citizen to the shire was given to couple Neville and Phyllis Hunt for their many achievements. 

Mr Hunt was instrumental in the construction of Gralee School, as well as the building of the basketball courts in Parkview. 

Both have served on the Leeton Hospital Auxiliary committee and school organisations, with Mrs Hunt also a member of the Leeton VIEW Club. 

"I want to thank the mayor for this honour," Mrs Hunt said. 

"We've just moved to the Masonic Lodge ... we'll be very happy to have this (award) there with us."

The organisation/event of the year went to the Rotary Club of Leeton Central and Rotary Club of Leeton for the coordination of the documentary Leeton - The Formative Years in 2013. 

The documentary helped to ensure Leeton was named a peace community, with Rotary Club of Leeton Central past president Sue Gavel and Rotary Club of Leeton president Sandra Robinson accepting the award. 

"It was a huge community effort," Mrs Gavel said. 

"It would not have been able to happen without the support of the community."