Cabonne Australia Day Awards Winners

BORENORE/NASHDALE

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – VANDRE INGHAM

• Vandre has been a strong and active advocate for the Nashdale and wider Cabonne communities since the early 1970’s
• She has contributed in many organisations and events, including supporting the catering for Rural Fire Service, Legacy, Nashdale School, Sports and Social Clubs, Field Days and local Nashdale functions, as well as being a vocal presence in advocating against council amalgamations
• A driving force behind the reinvigoration and restoration of the Nashdale Hall. She has held an executive position on the Nashdale Hall Committee since 2011 and has volunteered countless hours to physical maintenance, grant applications and coordinating community support of numerous working bees for the resource, all the while providing plenty of moral support and encouragement

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – NASHDALE CWA

• Considered closing in 2016 with just six remaining members, until the next generation of women in the community gathered and renewed the branch
• Under the guidance of their Patron, Mrs Betty McDonald, and long serving Secretary, Mrs Helen James, membership numbers have now increased to 25
• The group has updated to keep with the times, with a new Facebook page and electronic banking
• This has opened up opportunities for many events with the branch, including a “New York” style hotdog night, the Central West Group International Day, a Pie Floater Night and a Nepali Night
• Each event involved the ladies fundraising for their branch, cooking up a storm for their community and involving everyone from children to adults

CANOWINDRA

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – JOANNA BALCOMBE

• Joanna has achieved platinum level and Principal’s Award in the Canowindra High School student recognition scheme for the past four years
• Competed at the Rural Cup and at a Western level for sport. Senior House Captain at school and Pierre De Coubertin award nominee
• Community involvement with the Alikinetic Dance Studio, raising funds for the High School, volunteering at the Canowindra Balloon Challenge and competing in the Canowindra Junior Showgirl competition
• School Captain and member of the Student Representative Council.
• Represented the school in public speaking and debating
• Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver award winner
• Instructor in the school’s lifesaving programme
• National Champion for Meat Sheep Junior Judging
• 2017 Cabonne Youth Ambassador for Australia Day
• Completed her HSC in 2017 and has been accepted into Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga where she will study Animal Science

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – MICHAEL HARRISON

• Mike has been the President of the Canowindra sub-branch of the RSL for many years
• He has organised the ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies, including liaising with schools in town to have students attend and help run the services and cook breakfast after the dawn service
• Involves the youth of Canowindra in order to gain a better understanding and respect for our ex-service men and women

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CANOWINDRA CHALLENGE INC.

• Not for profit organisation that runs the annual Canowindra Balloon Challenge
• This event not only brings over 12,000 people to Canowindra and the region, but also allows the businesses, schools, clubs and organisations to raise funds through their involvement
• Flagship Event for Destination NSW and has won many awards, which increases the profile of Canowindra and Cabonne to the general community
• Is run on a voluntary basis, with members putting in countless hours annually. This year there were over 150 volunteers who gave their time at the event
• CCI has been able to make donations to supporting clubs and groups of over $3500 for their efforts
• The group has a vision to grow the event to further expand the benefits to the community and the growth of tourism in our region

CARGO

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BEVERLEY SARGENT

• Bev is an important part of the backbone of the Cargo community, selflessly giving up her time to aid those in need, be it to give someone a roof over their head, drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, do their shopping or clean their house
• Bev also donates her time to supporting community organisations such as manning the gate at the local football games, selling raffle tickets for them or even the village Men’s Shed

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CARGO BLUE HEELERS

• Formed in the 1920’s, they are now part of the Woodbridge Cup Competition
• They have continually entered a team onto the field for the last 25 years
• Since joining the Woodbridge Cup, they have won five premierships in the last 10 years and they were Grand Finalists in 2017
• Instrumental in setting up Women’s League Tag in the Woodbridge Cup Competition, prior to Group 10 offering this game
• Currently fields both a Senior Men’s Team and a Ladies League Tag team
• Successful in recent years in grant applications to add lights to the Cargo Oval for all the community to benefit from, new change room facilities to cater to women’s teams and also disability toilets at the ground
• Committed to ensuring their small village continues to field a rugby league team each year

CUDAL

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BRONTE CHOWN

• Bronte has shown a consistent effort in all subject areas of her schooling
• She displays outstanding sportsmanship at all times
• Raised $4300 in the “World’s Greatest Shave” showing what can be done by an individual to raise awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation
• Leads by example in all aspects of her life
• Community minded young person with maturity beyond her years

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – CATH KEARNEY

• Cath is a member of the Show Society and plays and integral role in the organisation of the community event
• She has been the instigator of the showground upgrades including a new pavilion in 2012 and new kitchen and cool room in 2016. She managed the construction of both these projects and is very keen to see the facility enjoyed by the whole Cudal community
• Volunteer at the Cudal Public School, introducing a monthly school lunch order day for the students in which she makes all the lunches. She also volunteers at Orange High School canteen, where her daughter attends
• Cath supports all Cudal events and committees, including the preschool, the swimming club and the soccer club

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CUDAL SOCCER CLUB

• This club is organised by a volunteer committee, headed up by the President, Penny Challinor
• The club offers teams from Under 6 to Under 11 boys and girls combined with children from Manildra, Cargo and Cudal
• Penny organised sponsors for the club in order to keep the fees down and purchase uniforms and equipment, which enabled more children to access the club and participate in this sport
• This allowed the club to have eight teams in the 2017 season and for each team to have their own coach

CUMNOCK

 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – KERRIE CHRISTIE

• Kerrie is a keen volunteer for Cumnock
• She recently retired after over 25 years as Editor of the Cumnock Progress Review. Kerrie has held the position as Secretary of Cumnock Progress and also committees of Daroo and small towns
• Member of the Show Society, helping in Pavilion sections and the luncheon for many years
• Has been a member of many committees as her children were growing up, including preschool and P&C
• Now manages the Cumnock Bowling Club with a keen interest in community functions and club events

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – CUMNOCK PUBLIC SCHOOL’S CRUNCH AND SIP VOLUNTEERS

• Margery, Maureen, Di and Chris volunteer their time to Cumnock Public School to provide healthy breakfasts and fruit snacks to primary school children as part of the Live Life Well @ School policy instigated in 2009
• Each of the ladies has made a unique contribution to the community in a myriad of ways, including judging at Jump Rope for Heart events, attending book parades as well as supporting biscuit decorating entries for the Cumnock Show
• The Crunch and Sip Program has been applauded by many other schools in the region along with NSW Health and other local health providers which shows the outstanding partnerships that can be achieved in a small, rural community
• This group continues to brighten the lives of all the school community through their thoughtful deeds and selfless acts of generosity; the children truly appreciate their efforts and it helps them get through the day

EUGOWRA

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BRITNEY DUKES

• Britney is involved in school as a member of the School Representative Council, a House Vice Captain and is a member of several school sporting teams including swimming, league tag, soccer and volleyball
• She has marched every year on ANZAC Day, first with Eugowra Public School and now with Forbes High School
• Volunteered with the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association, working on the BBQ at the show. She has also volunteered with the Eugowra Social Swimming Club, the Canola Cup with the Cancer Council and the Eugowra Rugby League Club
• Played league tag with the Eugowra Geagles for the past four years, winning two Premierships
• Entered the Showgirl Competition at the 2017 Eugowra Show

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – VIV McMILLAN

• Viv is a lifelong resident of Eugowra and has been an active member of a number of community organisations, including The Masonic Lodge, The Men’s Shed, Rural Action Group, Lion’s Club, Rifle Club, Promotion and Progress Association, Rural Fire Service and the Eugowra Show Society where he has been involved for over 70 years as an exhibitor committee member
• He and his wife, Joan, instigated the Showgirl Competition
• An active member of the Eugowra Historical Museum. He is responsible for the beautifully restored Braveheart wagon which is displayed there

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – EUGOWRA COMMUNITY ‘BIGGEST MORNING TEA’ GROUP

• The Biggest Morning Tea has been running as a yearly event in Eugowra since 2001
• This event has been hosted by many community members and encourages everyone to get involved with the fundraising efforts for the Cancer Council
• Residents of the community assist with donations of cooking, there is a team of drivers who assist in ensuring the morning teas are delivered to local businesses and schools and another team who sell tickets for a raffle which is made up of donated items
• Over the 17 years, in excess of $44,700 has been raised in this small community for the Cancer Council

MANILDRA

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – ZAC REIMER

• Zac has had many sporting achievements in his life, playing rugby league, cricket, tennis, golf and lawn bowls
• He has been a part of the Manildra Lawn Bowls Team when they won the State Pennants in 2015 at the age of 17
• Has played in the Orange District Association under 21 rep side, winning the Grand Final in 2015
• He has continued playing with the Orange Rep side since 2015 – that side beating Parkes in 2017 for the first time in over a decade, with Zac noted as playing a crucial role
• In his first year of bowling with the Centrals Cricket Club, he took out six awards
• Travelled to England and bowled with the Shrimps in an undefeated season
• Has spent a lot of his younger years volunteering as water boy, ball boy and helping set up various games
• A great role model in the community, displaying commitment and humour in his achievements
• He is working in the farming sector, which is teaching him various skills he enjoys

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – MANILDRA MEN’S SHED

• The Manildra Men’s Shed opened on the 30^th of June 2016 after a five year battle to find somewhere for the shed to be built. In the end it was built with substantial voluntary labour and the assistance of local tradesmen
• Currently has 25 members with this number increasing
• The shed is a welcome addition to the town facilities, where men of all ages can meet for a cuppa and to deliver projects, discuss community concerns and upcoming projects
• The kitchen was recently added with the work being undertaken by the members. The kitchen now makes way for one of the members to bake scones for morning tea each Wednesday
• Finalist for the 2017 Daroo Awards for “Contribution to Cabonne Community Organisation”

MOLONG

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SARAH HOBBS

• Sarah is the Vice-Captain of Molong Central School 2018 as well as being a member of the Student Representative Council
• She has competed in the Rural Cup, as well as at District, Western and State levels for sport
• Volunteer at the 2017 Molong Show, the 2017 Year 12 Grad and as part of the Kindergarten Assistance Program within Molong Central School
• Vice House Captain – Mitchell 2017
• Has a passion for animals and takes on the challenges of farm life with ease
• She has received various academic and sporting awards, including the Premier Sporting Challenge Leadership award and the A.B Carroll Award for Secondary Agriculture
• A valued, vibrant and positive young woman who takes pride in everything she does

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – IAN GOSPER

• This award is to recognise the leadership skills ‘Gossie’ demonstrated, in particular, during his term as Mayor
• In the face of sustained pressure from the NSW Government, he lead the fight against the forced amalgamation of the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Councils
• Ian was able to communicate his vision for Cabonne to remain autonomous and instil belief in the residents of Cabonne
• This was not the first time that Ian showed his courage for standing up for his community; he took a stand to safeguard prime agricultural land during the Hub debacle

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – ANTY COMMITTEE

• The ANTY Committee was a major driving force behind the community in the fight to save Cabonne Council from being merged with Orange Council
• They organised many meetings, rallies and media releases to ensure the community was not forgotten and to keep the battle in the spotlight. This included media exposure via radio (ABC Country Hour, Alan Jones and Ray Hadley) and television (Prime and WIN)
• The ANTY Committee was a leader in the community and was able to gather the community as one to help write letters and submissions for their fight. They put the community first and gave their time freely despite being full time farmers or business people
• A special mention to Jock Haynes (Chairman of the Committee) who guided and mentored the ANTY Committee in a respectful manner, never letting judgmental attitudes interfere

MULLION CREEK

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – SOPHIE GORMAN

• Sophie is a caring, compassionate and thoughtful student, who is kind hearted and community minded
• At such a young age, she had her head shaved to raise money for local lady Amber Budd who was suffering from advanced cancer – this initiative was Sophie’s own idea, despite having never met Mrs Budd or her family
• Involved in many school activities, is a team player and exemplary leader
• Member of the successful robotics team competing at State Cup in Sydney

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – JANELLE CULVERSON

• Janelle initiates projects, assists and participates in the community of Mullion Creek
• She has been the President of the Mullion Creek & District Progress Association for many years
• She has been a councillor and representative for Mullion Creek
• Community Event Organiser for Australia Day, Christmas Party and Clean Up Australia Day in Mullion Creek

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – MULLION CREEK & DISTRICT PROGRESS ASSOCIATION

• Volunteers to donate their time over many years to better the community of Mullion Creek
• Members help with cleaning public toilets, maintain and clean up grounds on Reserve
• Always put up their hand to fundraise for community projects
• Facilitates Australia Day events, Christmas Party and Clean Up Australia Day

YEOVAL

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – BLAKE CAMERON

• Blake is completing his senior studies via the Western Access Program, showing his initiative and independent learning skills
• He was Rookie of the Year in his debut season with the Yeoval Eagles
• School Captain, undertaking his duties responsibly and diligently
• Representative for the ‘Positive Behaviour for Learning’ team, volunteering his own time to complete tasks
• Selected to attend both Summer and Winter at UNSW. These programs are aimed at providing Indigenous students with opportunities to experience University life and broaden their career opportunities

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – NIKKI TREMAIN-HENNOCK

• Nikki was born and bred in Yeoval, and has recently returned with her husband and two sons from living in Dubbo
• Nikki has taken on the role of Editor of the Satellite Newspaper and is doing a wonderful job of updating the processes, making the newspaper interesting to read. Nikki also has a way of getting more volunteers on board for the newspaper
• She is a member of Yeoval Red Cross and has helped at the Dinner Shop, as well as various other Red Cross functions
• Her role in the Progress Association, and her liaison skills with Yeoval Central School, UPA Yeoval, Netherwood Group, Women’s Shed and the doctor’s surgery have gone a long way in keeping Yeoval progressing
• She is a young, hardworking mother who is always helpful and friendly in her dealings with everyone

COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – LITTLE RIVER LANDCARE GROUP INC.

• The Little River Landcare Group demonstrated tremendous community enhancement in 2017
• Tallied fodder and stock after the Sir Ivan fires at Dunedoo and Coolah to help residents. In total 222 bales of hay and $11,000 in cash donations, which was transferred into fencing materials at the local Agnet stores, was trucked over
• LRLG has close connections within the local communities, funding and running a two day mental health first aid workshop. This workshop was well attended and allowed the community to work closely with Di Gill from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program. Community members were educated in what to say and do when faced with someone in need of help