Jill Sands has been a prominent member of the Cargo community for many years and has been a driving force behind the Cargo Progress Association and upgrades to the Cargo hall.

As a Cabonne Shire councillor from 2004 to 2008 she strongly advocated for Cargo and Cabonne shires in general and was responsible for the production of an updated Cargo community plan which was found to have a strong correlation with the subsequently developed Cabonne 2025 community strategic plan.

It will be Jill’s second Australia Day honour after receiving the citizen of the year award 13 years ago.

Cabonne mayor Ian Gosper said Jill’s dedication, hard work and enthusiasm for Cargo had not waned since then.

Jill received her award from Cabonne Australia Day ambassadors, actors and authors Judy Nunn and Bruce Venables, during a morning tea at Cargo which featured the cutting of an Australia Day cake.

Australia Day activities were also be held at Borenore, Cudal, Cumnock, Eugowra, Manildra, Molong and Yeoval.

Cabonne’s  Australia Day winners is:

Borenore/Nashdale: Citizen of the year Max Davidson; Community group of the year Borenore School P&C.

Canowindra: Citizen of the year Ian Guihot; Young citizen of the year Taniel Thornberry; Community groups of the year Canowindra Challenge and Canowindra Fitness Path Committee.

Cargo: Citizen of the year Jill Sands; Young citizen of the year Taihau Ah Mat; Community group of the year Cargo Garden Club.

Cudal: Citizen of the year Lynette Frecklington; Young citizen of the year David Antioch; Community group of the year Cudal Show Society.

Cumnock: Citizen of the year Barbara O’Brien; Young citizen of the year Johanna Watt; Community group of the year Cumnock Racquet Club.

Eugowra: Citizen of the year Beverley Slaven; Young citizen of the year Jacob Townsend; Community group of the year Eugowra Murals committee.

Manildra: Citizen of the year Melva Bennett; Young citizen of the year Lachlan Campbell; Community group of the year Manildra Show Society.

Molong: Citizen of the year Elizabeth Newstead; Young citizen of the year Emily Peffer; Community group of the year St Vincent de Paul Society.

Mullion Creek: Citizen of the year Lorna Ostini; Young citizen of the year Sophie Brisbane; Community group of the year Mullion Creek P&C.

Yeoval: Citizens of the year Les and Myrna Tremain; Young citizen of the year Grant Isles; Community group of the year Yeoval Quickshear Committee.