Citizen of the Year Championing Arts Space

Published 16 January 2020

Dayboro is revered as the ‘Town of Yesteryear’ and for the past three decades the town’s historical charms have been protected and preserved by the tireless efforts of Alison Taylor - this year’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year.

Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said her unwavering passion and strong community spirit has underpinned the growth in Dayboro’s arts, culture and community festival scene.

“Alison has been heavily involved with the Dayboro Show Society for 30 years, juggling her time between volunteering as a committee member for both the Country Women’s Association and the Dayboro Community Hall,” said Cr Charlton.

“Her efforts have brought Dayboro and its surrounds to life through helping to conceive initiatives like the Love Dayboro Arts Festival.

“This award is well deserved by Alison, such an inspiring member of our community and I congratulate her on three decades of achievements.”

Division 11 Councillor Darren Grimwade thanked Alison for her contribution to the Dayboro community.

“Alison worked tirelessly to bring the first art exhibition to the community hall in 2018, which was the catalyst for the Love Dayboro Arts Festival,” said Cr Grimwade.

“The success of the festival is enjoyed by the whole town, with cafes and food outlets sharing in the economic boost that increased visitation brings to the area.”

Alison acknowledged the local community for their support with the festival.

“The community spirit in Dayboro is amazing, locals get involved and present their artwork, photography and their handmade items to sell at the makers market,” she said.

“It’s great to see so many visitors from out of town enjoy what our little community has to offer.

“I’d like to thank all the people that I work with because I don’t do it by myself, there’s always that team in the background that’s helping.”