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Batemans Bay resident Gwen Wray was announced as the winner of the shire’s top award on Monday at an Australia Day event in Russ Martin Park, Moruya.

Mrs Wray said she was surprised Eurobodalla Shire Council accepted the nomination of an entertainer for the award as she thought it was traditionally given to community volunteers.

However Councillor Chris Kowal said Mrs Wray was given the award for the 57 years she has been volunteering her services as a pianist for community functions including weddings, dances and funerals, along with school, church and community events.

“In the 1960s, Gwen was part of a group which began as the Bay Culture Society, later to become the Bay Theatre Players,” Cr Kowal said.

“Gwen has been involved in playing, musical directing and arranging for the group’s popular musical shows and is now a life member of the Bay Theatre Players.”

Mrs Wray plays regularly at the Soldiers Club for the Tollgate Day Care Club for seniors. She also arranges the parts and accompanies the Bay Theatre Singers for performances throughout the year at aged care facilities.

Mrs Wray’s sister Grace Ware and sister-in-law Betty Shaw travelled from Mackay in Queensland to attend Monday’s award ceremony. Mrs Wray’s children, grandchildren and friends were also at the event.

Continued on page 2 of the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner