Australia Day Nominees
Published on 10 January 2025
Celebrate Australia Day with Us in the Upper Hunter Shire!
Australia Day is almost here, and it’s time to celebrate the incredible achievements of individuals and groups across our community. On 26 January, join us throughout the Shire for a day of festivities, including, ceremonies, BBQs, and pool parties. Together, we’ll honour this year’s nominees for the Australia Day Awards, who exemplify the strength, spirit, and resilience of our local communities.
These remarkable nominees reflect the best of the Upper Hunter Shire, and their stories inspire us all. From fostering youth leadership to championing community initiatives, here are the exceptional people and groups making a difference:
Adelaide Cooper
Adelaide’s dedication to her sport has resulted in numerous successes in 2024 from Dressage to Pony Club. She represented Scone Pony Club in the Horse Week Parade and Horse Extravaganza, and was nominated for the Young Achiever Award 2024 as part of the Scone Horse Festival.
Annabelle Drake
Annabelle Drake began her aviation journey aged 14 years and recently reached a major milestone by qualifying for solo flights. Now focused on building her solo hours, she treasures the thrill of flying alone, with the empty seat beside her symbolising her independence.
Anne-Marie Nairne
Anne-Mare has worked tirelessly for the Cassilis community for many years. She has assisted varied organisations including the Dalkeith Common, Cassilis Bowling Club, the local school, St Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Cassilis Rodeo.
Archie Constable
Archie is a favourite amongst the trucking community for his photos picturing their hard work for the Hay Run. As well as being an entrepreneur, setting up his own photography business, Archie uses his skills and passion for photography to help promote local events and community groups in Merriwa and surrounding areas.
Blandford and Surrounds Playgroup Committee- Melissa Nevin and Sharna Millgate
Blandford and Surrounds Playgroup was started by Melissa and Sharna to provide the area with a much needed service. They dedicate a significant amount of their time to ensure each playgroup session is organised and runs smoothly, including inviting relevant service providers to deliver information to attending parents.
Blandford Public School Staff
Blandford Public School staff go above and beyond their required duties, providing additional support to students, participating in extracurricular activities and continuously striving to improve their teaching practices.
They actively contribute to the broader community, including supporting local organisations and businesses through sharing school spaces for community based workshops, yoga lessons and supporting the establishment of a local playgroup.
Braeden Wallace
Braeden combined his love of photography and cars to help Variety-the Children’s Charity, for the past 10 years. He has been part of his family’s fundraising venture by attending markets, helping out at Woolworths selling raffle tickets, assisting at BBQs and cake stalls.
Bridie Palmer
Bridie competed for the Australian High School Rodeo team in Rock Springs, Wyoming in the USA in 2024 and was awarded the Australian 'All-Round Cowgirl' for Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying, and Pole Bending. Bridie's enthusiasm was evident throughout the competition as she qualified and cleared all rounds in Goat Tying and Pole Bending, having a great time along the way.
Campbell Munn
Campbell has excelled on the Rugby League field in 2024, representing NSW Combined High Schools, as well as the Manly Sea Eagles in the SG Ball, Sydney Shield and Jersey Flegg competitions. Campbell is an exceptional role model for the youth of Scone and remains humble, genuine and authentic.
Casey Milton
Casey has achieved great success as a rugby league player, including for his Aberdeen Club, his school of St Joseph’s Catholic College and his representative squad of the Northern Tigers. Casey has a bright future in the sport and his commitment to self-improvement makes him a great role model for younger players.
Cassilis Country Music Committee
Cassilis Country Music Committee was formed to deliver an event as a thank you to Blaze Aid volunteers following the St Ivan fires. The event was so well received it has become an annual festival, attracting thousands of people to Cassilis for a great weekend.
Cassilis Public School P & C Association
Cassilis Public School P & C Association work hard to ensure the students of Cassilis are provided with great learning opportunities at their small school. From Ag-plots to new play equipment, the hard working parents and community members are always ready to take on a challenge, making Cassilis Public School a great place to be educated.
Charles Martin
Charles was inspired by the bravery of the paramedics and pilots who risk their lives to save others having watched the Westpac Rescue Helicopter land locally. Determined to help, Charles organised a raffle with over $5,000 in prizes, and raised an incredible $7,500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Chris Mitchell
Chris’s dedication to ensuring members of the Merriwa community have access to transport is greatly appreciated by the people he transports and their families. He provides this service with a polite manner making his passengers feel well supported in the community.
Ciennah Sullivan
Ciennah is a self-less young person with empathy beyond her years. She works hard to bring enjoyment into the lives of people who may feel isolated and achieves great support from her community.
Gundy Community and Beyond
The idea behind Gundy Community and Beyond was to bring together community members, giving people an opportunity to meet and to mix, where they could talk about the issues that were affecting them all, hopefully lightening the load. Anne and Brenda have been a great example of what can be achieved in a small community by working together.
Hannah Gillett
Hannah's leadership has been on display at events such as ANZAC Day, raising awareness for Breast Cancer, promoting Where There's a Will and representing the Upper Hunter at the National Youth Leadership Summit in Adelaide. Hannah is a recipient of the CWA Excellence in Agriculture Award and mentors the Scone Public School junior cattle paraders, as well as participating in Beef Bonanzas and Steer Leading herself.
Hass Porter
Hass has demonstrated that he is an inspirational leader in many aspects of life. He mentors the Scone Public School Show Team students, was a representative at the Adelaide Student Leadership Summit and received the Long Tan Youth Leadership Award from the ADF.
Helen and Leo Gardner
Helen and Leo spend a great deal of time helping elderly people and people with disabilities. They belong to the Red Cross and the Fire Brigade as well as helping at the rodeo, the Parkville Tennis Club and to raise funds for the Wingen Hall. Helen is a long-term member of Wingen Parkville CWA.
Hylton Cronin
Hylton takes great pride in the impression Merriwa makes on visitors, and can often be seen tidying areas around town in his own time. He is always available to lend a hand to people who need assistance and nothing is too much trouble for him.
Jane Hegarty
Jane is the President of the Cassilis District Development Group & the driving force behind many of the committee's current projects. She is involved with, or supports, many of the community groups in Cassilis and is an inspiration for people living in small communities.
Jann Wilton
Jann has been instrumental in ensuring the Cassilis community has great events to attend. As well as volunteering at the local church, Cassilis Bowling Club and Cassilis Rodeo, Jann is a committee member of the Cassilis Country Music and Camping festival and was an organiser of the Back to Cassilis reunion in 2012.
Joy Dallah
Joy is a long serving volunteer at Aberdeen Pre-School, having helped there for the last 40 years. She has also been a part of Aberdeen Treasures, Aberdeen Junior Rugby League, Aberdeen Public School and the All-Stars production at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen.
Judith Wilson
Judith goes above and beyond to support families and students at Murrurundi Public School, making sure that everyone is included. She is also involved in many community activities, including holding an executive position for the Cowboys for Cancer support group.
Julia Hardy
The Merriwa Springtime Show owes much of its success to Julia’s tireless efforts to encourage the community to display their skills. Julia has been involved with many community groups in Merriwa but still finds time to play golf and organise the regular Saturday morning run or walk making use of the new shared pathway in town.
Kate Jones
Kate is passionate about raising awareness for people struggling with their mental health, as well as fundraising for Lifeline. She will help anyone who needs assistance and is a great model for the people of Aberdeen.
Leanne Hook
Leanne prides herself in providing a service to the Merriwa community by ensuring her business promotes the area and activities, showcases local art and encourages the community to read. Leanne also supports many local charities and community groups with donations or providing prizes.
Lee Watts
Lee works tirelessly and for small reward for the less fortunate of Scone and the Upper Hunter. She has served her community as an elected representative, giving of her time to help our community. She is a doer and motivates others by her example. A popular and well loved pillar of our community.
Lizzy Ray
Lizzy has been travelling to Tamworth to play hockey since October 2023. She has progressed through the pathway opportunities and was selected to play for the NSW Blues Team at Nationals on the Gold Coast in July 2024.
Merriwa Newsxpress
Neville and Leanne are a wealth of knowledge and are passionate about their community. They have successfully operated their newsagency business for the past 30 years and have been, and are still, great supporters of the local community.
Merriwa Rugby League Club U12’s & U14’s Girl’s League Tag teams
Merriwa’s Girls League Tag teams have had a season that will be hard to top! They were undefeated in their games throughout the 2024 season and went on to win their respective Grand Finals – a great achievement for a small, country club.
Mikayla O’Halloran
Mikayla has competed successfully in both junior and senior cutting events during 2024 and won the NSW Cutting Club Futurity Show. She had the honour of being asked to be the Australian flag bearer for the opening ceremonies of the NCHA Futurity and the NSW Cutting Club Thoroughbred Challenge.
Molly & Tom Shannon
Molly and Tom have immersed themselves in the local community, organising dog trials for the Festival of the Fleeces, assisting at the rodeo and the Merriwa Show. They are passionate about regenerative farming and are always happy to share their deep knowledge with other farmers and community members.
Montana Rando
Montana is a committed swimmer, travelling to Scone three mornings a week before school for squad training. This has resulted in Montana winning school and club events throughout the season, culminating in having her swim times recognised by the Swimming Australia Junior Excellence Program.
Murrurundi Public Schools PP5 Relay Team
The Murrurundi Public School PP5 Relay team were successful in qualifying to attend the NSW All-Schools Athletics State Titles for the Small Schools PP5 Relay - The Nigel Bagley Relay. They are great role models for fellow students and showcase that with hard work rural students can achieve their goals.
Patina and Bean
Since opening, Patina and Bean has become a vital part of the Merriwa community, offering not just delicious coffee but a true gathering place for locals. Owners Christine and Greg have quickly developed a loyal following, and a reputation for excellent coffee, delicious food, and friendly, down-to-earth service
Rihanna Hunt
Rihanna has had a hugely successful year, excelling in both team and individual sports. Her achievements are testament to her determination and dedication to ensure she reaches her goals and performs to the best of her ability in every aspect of life.
Sue Scott
Sue has been immersed in all aspects of community life in Moonan Flat since moving there in 1978. Sue is also a member of the Scone and District Cancer Support Group and her caring, compassionate nature has been appreciated by many families suffering through cancer diagnosis and illness.