Jason Dearmer was announced as Dubbo's 2025 Citizen of the Year.
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NewsTranscript
00:00I think the last time I was up on the stage, I was wearing a Tyrus 210 tracksuit that started my dance for cancer.
00:09First I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to my amazing wife, Ellen.
00:17She's been my rock, supporting and guiding me, with love and patience through everything I've done in this community.
00:25She's always looking out for my well-being and making sure my heart stays full.
00:30Mel, thank you for everything you do. You're like a parent, making all the difference.
00:41I also want to thank my family and friends. You've always been there for me, offering your support and getting involved in the causes that are closest to my heart.
00:49You're the ones that help make this community what it is, and I'm so thankful for each of you.
00:56Right now, though, our community needs support more than ever.
01:01We need your skills, your time, your compassion, because these are the resources that will help us grow, connect and thrive.
01:10Whether you can give an hour a week, or a day a month, it all counts.
01:15Every bit of your contribution matters.
01:19And I want to emphasise this. You don't have to be a hero to volunteer.
01:24You just need to be willing, willing to lend a hand, to listen, to show up.
01:30Because when we come together, we don't just help each other.
01:34We create connections. Connections with each other, with the land we live on, with the world we're all a part of.
01:42So I'm asking you today, how will you help?
01:47Every single act of service, no matter how small, has a profound impact.
01:52The small moments of kindness and effort add up in ways we can't always see, but they matter.
01:58And here's something I want to share with you.
02:01When we give our time and energy to others, we receive so much more in return.
02:07We gain joy, purpose, new skills, and most importantly, new friendships.
02:15These are the unexpected rewards of volunteering.
02:19But don't just take my word for it. Try it for yourself.
02:23Find a cause that speaks to you.
02:25Maybe you'll choose to support the youth in our community.
02:29Your local sporting club.
02:31Healthcare for our environment.
02:33Volunteer at Toronto Western Plains Zoo.
02:37Or visit patients at our amazing hospital facilities.
02:42Whatever you choose, I promise you'll experience the incredible joy that comes from giving back.
02:48Thank you all for being here today, and for considering how you can make a difference.
02:53Our community is stronger when we all contribute, and I look forward to seeing what we can do together.