The Australia Day weekend was celebrated across the Murrumbidgee Council area, with ceremonies held in Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.

The ceremonies celebrated the dedication, service and outstanding contributions of individuals and community groups who have made a positive difference in their local town.

Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said she was inspired by the stories of commitment, drive and care shared at each ceremony. 

“It’s wonderful to see how residents are so dedicated to supporting others, strengthening connections and creating opportunities that benefit everyone in our community,” she said.

This year’s celebrations at Coleambally and Darlington Point were also attended by Australia Day Ambassador Geoff Coombes OAM.

Mr Coombes spoke about his work as a social impact entrepreneur and his commitment to building strong, connected communities.

He shared insights into the success of the charity he cofounded, Tour de Cure, and the work of his more recent initiative, STRYDE4, which supports mental health and resilience.

2026 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS

Coleambally

• Citizen of the Year: Jane Strachan

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Christine Chirgwin

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Heather Hogan

• Junior Citizen of the Year: Grace Muir

• Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Pound

• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Alex Pound

• Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year: Willow Pound

• Sporting team of the Year: CFNC U/18 AFL team

• Cultural Award of the Year: CANASSIST ladies

• Event of the Year: CFNC 60 year anniversary event

Darlington Point

• Citizen of the Year: Tyson Woods

• Young Citizen of the Year: Maggie Burns

• Sportsperson of the Year: Peter Jones

• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Mia Honeyman

• Sporting Team of the Year: DPCRLFC First Grade

• Event/Group Achievement of the Year: Toganmain Woolshed 150th Celebration

Jerilderie

• Citizen of the Year: John Crittenden

• Young Citizen of the Year: Chloe Rorato

• Sportsperson of the Year: Charlie Rorato

• Little Aussie Awards:

- Milla Rorato, St Joseph’s Primary School

- Amity Ewert, Jerilderie Public School

BIOs COLEAMBALLY

Event of the Year - CFNC 60 year anniversary event

In June 2025, the Coleambally Football Netball Club proudly celebrated 60 years since the formation of the original Coleambally Football Club in 1965. The anniversary and reunion on 14 June at the Coleambally Sporting Precinct was a major celebration, featuring ten junior and senior football and netball games, followed by a post-match function at the Community Club.

Cultural Award - CanAssist ladies

This acknowledges some very special members of Coleambally Can Assist: Heather Hogan, Noelene DeMamiel, Beris Lyell, Judy Duffell, and Margaret Cobden. These remarkable octogenarian volunteers, with a combined age of over 400 years, have been part of Can Assist for between 15 and 33 years each.

Beyond their hands-on support, they bring wisdom and insight to the branch meetings, helping guide strategies and ensuring Can Assist continues to focus on its charitable mission. Their contribution is truly a lasting legacy and an inspiration to us all.

Sub-junior Sportsperson - Willow Pound

Willow Pound, a Year 4 student at Coleambally Central School, has had an exceptional year across multiple sports. She plays Under 11s netball for the CFNC, Under 11s league tag for the Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters, and is an active member of the Coleambally Swim Club.

Junior Sportsperson - Alex Pound

Alex Pound, a Year 10 student at Coleambally Central School, has had an outstanding 2025, representing his school and region across multiple sports. He competed at the State Cross Country, Athletics, and Swimming Championships, and played in the Netball NSW Schools Cup.

Senior Sportsperson - Hannah Pound

Hannah Pound served with distinction as school captain. A talented and committed athlete, Hannah represented Coleambally Central School and the Riverina across multiple sports. She was also selected in the Open Riverina Netball Team, representing both CCS and the Riverina at the NSWCHSSA Netball Championships.

Team of the Year - CFNC U/18 AFL team

The Coleambally Football Netball Club Under 18s reformed for the 2025 Farrer League season, marking their first year back in the competition. Made up of players aged 14 to 18, the team overcame significant challenges, including the wide geographical spread of players, which made training and cohesion difficult.

Young Citizen of the Year - Grace Muir

Grace Muir is a lifelong Coleambally resident and a remarkable young leader. In 2025, she completed her Higher School Certificate at St Francis de Sales Regional College andis an active member of the Coleambally Rural Fire Servic. She also volunteers at Assumption Villa, supporting and engaging with elderly residents with kindness and respect.

In sport, Grace coaches the CFNC Under 13s Netball Team and served as Assistant Coach for the Leeton Under 14s Representative Netball Team, taking them to the State Championships. She also plays for the Leeton Under 17s Representative Netball Team and was recognised with the St Francis de Sales Boarders Jess Murphy Award for her outstanding community spirit and selflessness.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Joint award winners

Christine Chirgwin

Christine serves as secretary of the Toganmain Woolshed Precinct Committee, a group recently formed to lead the restoration of the historic Toganmain Woolshed. Her dedication has been central to every aspect of this project – from organising restoration working bees and securing sponsorship funding, to managing publicity and coordinating the 150th Birthday Celebration.

Christine is a long-standing and valued member of numerous community organisations, including Taste Coly, the Community Garden Committee, the Rural Fire Service, Can Assist, and Murrumbidgee Council.

Heather Hogan

Heather Hogan led a discussion with a group of concerned locals just over 33 years ago about the need for financial support for residents diagnosed with cancer. This meeting led to the formation of the Coleambally branch of Can Assist, formally the Cancer Patients Assistance Society, with the inaugural meeting held at the Bowling Club on 7 December 1992.

From the very beginning, Heather has been a driving force behind the branch, serving as President and Secretary.

Citizen of the Year - Jane Strachan

Jane Strachan has been a dedicated and tireless contributor to the Coleambally community for many years. She is currently serving on the Coleambally Chamber of Commerce, the Australia Day Committee, the Coleambally/Darlington Point Country Education Foundation, and as a Board member and secretary of Cypress View Lodge.

In 2025, Jane made an exceptional contribution through her work with Cypress View Lodge. She has also been a key member of the CEF committee, mentoring grant recipients, organising the annual Trivia Night fundraiser, and assisting with the Foundation’s 15th anniversary celebrations.

DARLINGTON POINT

Citizen of the Year – Tyson Woods

Tyson received the Group 20 Rugby League Volunteer Award for 2025 for his dedication and work for the Darlington Point Coleambally Rugby League Football Club.

Young Citizen of the Year - Maggie Burns

Maggie is recognised for her exceptional leadership, community involvement and positive influence on others. She was the Darlington Point Public School captain and Dux recipient for 2025, achievements that reflect her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and genuine care for her school community. She also contributes to her local community through fundraising efforts for the Redneck Rally, Riverina Classic and the DPPS P and C.

Sportsperson of the Year - Peter Jones

Peter is a member of the Darlington Point Bowls Club and a talented all-round sportsperson. He has earned many awards during his time as a bowls club member, which is close to 50 years. In 2025, Peter was Singles Champion and a member of the Doubles, Triples and Fours Championship teams.

Young Sportsperson of the Year - Mia Honeyman

Mia is an 11-year-old local dancer with exceptional talent, dedication, and a passion for performance. From a young age, she has shown confidence and joy in every dance, inspiring those around her.

She is an active member of the Junior Committee for the Riverina Classic, contributing her time and energy to support a major community event, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to her local community.

In 2025, she trained five to six days a week, competed in eight competitions across New South Wales and Victoria, and achieved 15 first-place awards, multiple other placings, and the title of Front and Centre Under 12 National Tap Champion.

Sporting team of the Year - DPCRLFC

The Darlington Point Coleambally RLFC First Grade Team has been a consistent and successful side, winning the Group 20 First Grade premiership in 2019, finishing runners-up in 2022 and 2023, before winning the Premiership in 2024 and again in 2025.

It won the Group 20 premiership against the Hay Magpies. The team finished the normal season as minor premiers before an impressive finals campaign.

Event of the Year - Toganmain Woolshed 150th Celebration

Toganmain Woolshed Precinct is a dedicated group of individuals committed to the restoration and preservation of the iconic Toganmain Woolshed. Their work began with community working bees and evolved into securing official recognition for a portion of the Toganmain property, including the woolshed and associated outbuildings.

JERILDERIE

Citizen of the Year - John Crittenden

John Crittenden has given 49 years of dedication and commitment to what was once known as the Jerilderie Fire Brigade, and is now recognised as Fire and Rescue NSW.

Young Citizen of the Year - Chloe Rorato

Chloe is an outstanding leader, whose commitment to her school and community sets her apart. In her 2025 HSC, she achieved standout performances across a range of subjects and was named the 2025 Dux of Finley High School.

Sportsperson of the Year - Charlie Rorato

Charlie Rorato is an outstanding youth, whose dedication, sportsmanship and commitment to the Jerilderie community make him a highly deserving winner.

In 2025, his football achievements were exceptional. He was selected in the Riverina Under 15’s AFL team, NSW Combined High Schools team and NSW All Schools team.

He has been nominated for a Riverina Blue in recognition of his outstanding sporting accomplishments.

Little Aussie Awards: Milla Rosato, St Joseph's Primary School and Amity Ewert, Jerilderie Public School.