Bruce Gray’s unwavering dedication to the Wee Waa community has been acknowledged as this year’s Citizen of the Year.
Mr Gray’s announcement as the recipient of the shire’s top honour was met with applause at the awards ceremony held at The Crossing Theatre on Sunday morning.
Six finalists were recently announced for the honour, with the nominees spanning a range of community, social and service organisations.
However, it was Mr Gray – a community volunteer for many decades – who claimed the award.
Mr Gray has been involved in many committees, such as Wee Waa Lions.
Always willing to help and looking at ways to improve and benefit the Wee Waa community’s wellbeing, Mr Gray’s continued service and commitment is demonstrated by his ongoing involvement in all areas of service to Wee Waa organisations.
As recently reported, Mr Gray was one of the instigators in getting the Weeronga Aged Care Hostel and now combined with the Karinga committee, to improve the Karinga village aged care services.
Mr Gray contributed positively to the Wee Waa Doctor Housing project, co-ordinating with contractors and contributing many hours of physical labour to ensure the project was a success.
Additionally, he has been part of the working committee regarding the Wee Waa Hospital services.
Mr Gray’s accolades include life membership of Wee Waa Apex in 1989, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship in 1997 in ‘recognition of service to community’ and Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen Award in 2023.
Addressing the gathering assembled at the awards ceremony, Mr Gray paid tribute to his wife Kay for her continued support.
“It means a lot because I love this community and I like helping people, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Gray told The Courier after Australia Day.
“I was quite shocked when I received this honour.
“I couldn’t believe how far my efforts had taken me.
“The person who has been my biggest supporter is my wife Kay.
“She involves herself in helping the community alongside me and she constantly backs me.”
Mr Gray said there are people in the community who contribute just as much as he does.
“I want to thank the Lions Club for always supporting the community and myself,” he said.
“I was always taught to help others and involve yourself in the community.
“That was engrained in me from my parents and grandparents.”
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