COMMUNITY SPIRIT CELEBRATED AT LOCAL AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Published on 28 January 2025

A huge crowd of community members from across the Shire gathered in Condobolin at the SRA Pavilion to celebrate the Lachlan Shire Local Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Sunday 26 January 2025.

It was an early start, with those attending being served a delicious breakfast by Condobolin Rotary and plenty of hot coffee by Happy Dayz prior to commencement of the official ceremony. Uncle Dick Richards delivered the Welcome to Country before Lachlan Shire Mayor, Cr John Medcalf OAM, welcomed everyone to the event.

This year our nominated Australia Day Ambassador was Donna Burton OAM – known affectionately as Donna the Astronomer. Unfortunately, Donna fell ill a few days prior to the event and was unable to attend. We missed hearing about her extraordinary life and achievements as an astronomer, but she sent a lovely message to the community which was delivered by Mayor Medcalf. On behalf of everyone in Lachlan Shire, Mayor Medcalf extended best wishes for her speedy recovery and return to full health. We look forward to any future visits she makes to our Shire.

During his introduction to the Awards ceremony Mayor Medcalf said, “it is fantastic to see so many award nominations this year. I congratulate everyone who was nominated as you are all winners. It doesn’t matter if you take home the award or not, your contribution to the community makes you a winner in our eyes.” He concluded.

The Lachlan Shire Local Australia Day Award recipients for 2025 are:

Citizen of the Year – Janelle Ireland.

Young Citizen of the Year – Eli O’Brian Yates.

Australia Day Award for Community Service – Kathy Parnaby and Meridith Ervin.

Event of the Year – Unveiling of the Tullibigeal Ladies Fire Truck.

Sportsperson of the Year – Brad Hart.

Lachlan Shire Council extends congratulations to all nominees and award recipients. Thank you to those who nominated their local hero for an award. These awards are an integral part of our Australia Day celebrations.