RESIDENTS from across the Adelaide Plains Council district gathered at Dublin Oval on Tuesday to celebrate Australia Day.

A traditional breakfast was served to start the day, catered by the Dublin Cricket Club, with official proceedings commencing at 9am.

Mayor Mark Wasley hosted the ceremony, with Australia Day ambassador William (Bill) Denny AM BN appeared as a special guest speaker.

Mr Denny served in the Australian Regular Army for 21 years and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Council’s Australia Day award recipients were acknowledged at the ceremony, with Dublin resident Pat Thompson recognised as Citizen of the Year.

Mrs Thompson has served the community for more than 25 years, being a founding member of the Dublin History Group, editor of the Dublin Dispatch, publishing three local history books and working on other community projects including the replacement of the Schlodder Shelter.

Two Wells’ Jack Harris was crowned Young Citizen of the Year through his work as a volunteer with his home town CFS brigade, and Community Event of the Year went to the official opening of the Two Wells Community Garden which was attended by more than 200 people.

Other award winners included Adelaide Plains Equestrian Club as Community Group of the Year, and Mallala and Districts Lions Club’s Mallala Campground as Community Project of the Year.

Three residents were also recognised as Australian Citizens at the ceremony, while recently retired Windsor Depot Library volunteer Mrs Barbara Kennedy received recognition for her commitment to the library over the past 25 years.

Following the ceremony, Adelaide Plains CFS brigades went head-to-head in a friendly cricket match, with money raised going to the CFS foundation.