General News
29 January, 2025
2025 Young Citizen, Alana Elsom
Alana Elsom has been recognised for her efforts, being named the 2025 Gilgandra Shire Young Citizen of the Year.
Alana Elsom has been recognised for her efforts in entertainment and music, being named the 2025 Gilgandra Shire Young Citizen of the Year.
The Young Citizen Award recognises the achievements of young individuals in our community.
Alana has been involved in entertainment and music from the very young age of two, singing at the Senior Citizens Day Luncheon in 2010.
Ever since, Alana has learnt to play the guitar and ukelele, practised her singing, and now performs at community events year-round.
During the last 12 months, she has performed guitar and vocals at the Australia Day Prelude Concert, Senior Citizens Day luncheon – an event she has performed at for the past 15 years – and the ANZAC Day service at Tooraweenah.
Alana also participated in Under the Gums 2024 as a street performer, as well as joining the Gil Alive Christmas concert and the Hospital long stay residents Christmas party.
“Alana always makes herself available when asked to entertain,” said GSC general manager David Neeves.
“[She] puts a lot of effort into choosing and learning songs appropriate to the occasion along with a lot of practice prior to the event.”
Aside from performing, Alana has volunteered in the past to waitress at the Country Education Foundation dinner held at the Golf Club and played the bass drum at a Gilgandra ANZAC Service as a replacement drummer.
She completed these roles with pride and confidence.
In recognition of her achievements, Alana was awarded the Doug and Pat Lummis volunteer award at the Gilgandra High School Presentation Day last year.
