Music, barbecues, citizenship oaths, inspiring stories from our Ambassadors, cricket and splashing around at the pools, marked Australia Day 2020 in the Upper Hunter Shire.

Australia Day Ambassadors Paralympic swimmer Taylor Corry, food and wine expert Lyndey Milan and gardening presenter Graham Ross shared their inspiring stories.

Outstanding Upper Hunter citizens were recognised with Australia Day awards.

An additional Mayoral award went to the members and volunteers of the Rural Fire Service, accepted by Kim Brown of the RFS Parkville Brigade.

Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year 2020 – Justine Cooper     

Justine Cooper, with other volunteers, runs the “Doing it for our Farmers” group which coordinates donations and supplies water, groceries and other household products to those impacted by drought, through direct deliveries and the Pop Up Pantry located in Murrurundi.

Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year 2020 – Jackson Keane

Jackson Keane is a leader in the Merriwa region.  He has been involved in Merriwa Little Athletics Club for eight years excelling in shotput, javelin and discus. In 2018 he commenced as a junior coach, providing encouragement and training athletes aged 5 to 16 years. He has built a rapport with young athletes who look up to him and he is admired by parents for his commitment and compassion. He has supported other sporting groups including Merriwa Park Run and the 10’s Junior Rugby League team.

Jackson has been an inspiring leader of the Merriwa Central School ROAR program, represented his school at the Where There’s a Will 2019 Youth Leadership summit in Adelaide, and was an enthusiastic participant in the Merriwa Rotary Club ‘Ripen’ initiative.

Aberdeen District Awards

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Janine Katon

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Bella-Rose Partridge

ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Carole and Bob Johnston

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Ruby Brochtrup

SPECIAL AWARD - ONGOING COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Joan Johnston

School Achievement Award & Creative Arts Excellence Award  - Caitlin Brown (St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen)

Merriwa District Awards

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Tash Taaffe

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Jackson Keane

ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Julia Wilton

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Nicole Martin

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre and Men's Shed

SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS AWARD Ben Frampton

ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT Denis Nutt

School Achievement Award - Victoria McNaught (Merriwa Central School)

Creative Arts Excellence Award - Chelsea Borradaile (Merriwa Central School)

Murrurundi District Awards

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Justine Cooper

ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Jenny Loasby

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Blandford Public School Relay Team

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR Doing It for our Farmers

Scone District Awards

HUNTER MCLOUGHLIN MEMORIAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Helen Archibald

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR    Katie Sutcliffe

ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Garry Dawson

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Tyla Brown

SPECIAL AWARD - ONGOING SUPPORT OF YOUTH Lindy Hunt

SPECIAL AWARD - OUTSTANDING ROLE MODEL Cassie Fisher

School Achievement Award - Alexander Young (Scone High School)

Creative Arts Excellence Award - Matthew  Kilroy (Scone High School)

School Achievement Award - Stella Norvill (Scone Grammar School)

Winners of the School Achievement and Creative Arts Excellence Awards each receive a $1,000 cheque from Council to go towards tertiary study in their chosen category.