Wagin Shire Council chief executive Len Calneggia was the Master of Ceremonies and introducted guest speaker Dr Noel Nannup who is an Aboriginal elder from Perth who has strong connections to Wagin.

“I would like to acknowledge all Australians as one, I would like to tell you a story that I believe everyone here will relate to,” Dr Nannup said.

“On the banks of the Swan River when the tall ships came, a young boy, who the white people called Billy was found, he was the first Billy Nannup.

“When Billy was seven years old his parents were killed and the women went into mourning so there was no one to look after him.

“He was special like the elders present from this community Angus Wallam and Merlene Mead.

Billy ended up with the Shentons who sold their mill to the Hamersley's and Billy was adopted by them.

“When the Hamersley's moved south to mother country to Wannup now known as Busselton - Billy went with them.

“From here they followed the Blackwood all the way up to the Wagin area where they settled.

“Billy Nannup was groomed to walk amongst all people as one, and I am proud to be his descendent,” he said.

“We as Australians must not lose our culture, but we all walk as one.

“Dance for your country and your spirit will come, this place has a spirit, my feet walk in the footsteps of the old people and they walk with us.

“I am a person on a mission to acceptance,” Mr Nannup concluded.

Wagin Shire president Phillip Blight announced and presented all the award recipients with a certificate.

The annual Christmas Lights competition was won by Carol Stanley, who said that the lights were incomplete and she would have them finished next year.

Sportsperson of the year was Sam West for his achievements in his chosen field of clay target shooting.

The community group of event award was presented to Wagin Aero Club for their outstanding efforts in transforming the Royal Flying Doctor Service patient transfer area at the Wagin airstrip from a tin shed into an efficient modern facility.

The moment that everyone had been waiting for was the announcement of the Wagin Citizen of the year and the crowd showed their unanimous support as the name was announced.

Wagin's citizen of the Year was Angus Wallam, who stood proud and strong as he said just a few words.

“I am pleased to be standing here to receive the best award ever in my life,” Mr Wallam said.