Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Temora Shire mayor Rick Firman OAM has congratulated Australia Day 2026 honours recipients, Gunnedah Shire Council mayor Colleen Fuller OAM and Kyogle Council mayor Danielle Mulholland OAM.

Both are current serving mayors and delegates for their councils at general meetings of the Country Mayors Association. Their rural, remote and regional NSW colleagues are immensely proud of their Order of Australia Medals (OAMs).

“These country mayors are so engaged with their communities, leading and contributing across many different organisations, that they are part of the local character and identity. They have actively represented their communities at local, regional, state and national levels for decades and they’re still at, seemingly shrugging off hardships, illness and age with their communities priorities,” Cr Firman said.

Cr Firman also applauded alumni of the country NSW Local Government family.

“Bucking the reported trend, women were well-represented in Australia Day honours from a country NSW perspective,” he said.

Lee-Anne Watts was awarded an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of Scone. She was mayor, deputy mayor and councillor at Upper Hunter Shire Council between 2005 and 2024.

Helen Tickle also received an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of Tamworth. She served as deputy mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, 2016-2018 and councillor, 2008-2024.

Meanwhile, John Ainsworth of Macksville was awarded an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of the Nambucca Valley. He was a councillor on Nambucca Valley Council 1987-2021 (34 years) and served as deputy mayor, 1999-2000, 2003-2005, 2008, and 2010-2016.

“We were also delighted to see Bathurst Regional Council general manager David Sherley honoured with an Australian Public Service Medal (PSM),” mayor Firman said.

“People involved in the rural, remote and region NSW Local Government invest so much of themselves into their roles and communities that every shine of a spotlight onto their efforts is great to see,” Cr Firman said.

“The CMA salutes everyone who to their community through local government, particularly those who were honoured on Australia Day 2026,” he said.