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TAMWORTH’S undisputed champion of multiculturalism has been recognised for decades of devotion with the honour of 2014 Citizen of the Year.
A deeply humbled Eddie Whitham was awarded the George Nethery Medal at a moving ceremony during Australia Day celebrations yesterday.
Some of the biggest cheers greeting the announcement came from the 25 migrants who only moments earlier had been confirmed as Australian citizens.
The 71-year-old chairman of Multicultural Tamworth has helped countless people from an estimated 80 countries settle in the city over the years.
He said the award was recognition for all the Multicultural Tamworth volunteers who since 1978 had upheld the ethos of “neighbours to newcomers”.
“There’s a lot of local people with the same passion that I’ve got who are prepared to do the same thing,” he said.
“The important thing for me is that the people who come really have a smooth transition into the community.”
Mr Whitham, who moved to Tamworth in 1968 with his wife Barbara, said the support structures for migrants had improved considerably.
“When they first came, there were no structures and we had to fight for absolutely everything,” he said.
“We had to fight to get children into schools, to get them English (lessons), and there were no jobs in Tamworth for those people.
“Basically, now we have more understanding people. In the community there are lots and lots of people who do help.”
Mr Whitham was the driving force behind last year’s enormously successful inaugural Fiesta La Peel, which celebrated Tamworth’s growing diversity.
Describing himself as a “compassionate Catholic” of Jewish heritage, he said he would use the next 12 months to promote awareness and understanding.
“(Migrants) enrich us by giving us a taste of the world,” he said.
“I’m finding now that new migrants want to be part of our community. They’re great entertainers and great participators. They didn’t come here just to make money and disappear.”
Mr Whitham also paid tribute to his fellow Citizen of the Year nominees Vanessa Bourne, Helen Carter, Tim Coates, Margaret O’Connor and Bill Warburton.