A staggering 32 people in the Cabonne Shire were recognised on Friday for their outstanding contributions to communities across 10 townships.
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Covering each village in its shire on January 26, the 2024 Cabonne Australia Day Awards were held during multiple ceremonies to honour those who've gone above and beyond for their town.
This year's ambassador, founder of The Seekers folk pop band Keith Potger AO attended celebrations in Cudal, Manildra, Nashdale and Yeoval.
"It's been a joy to be out here with the people of Cabonne, and Cudal was really special in that the citizenship ceremony was held here," Mr Potger said.
"It's going to be a long day getting through all of these wonderful towns, but I can certainly tell it will be an experience well worth the time."
Hosting the citizenship ceremony, Cudal Community Centre held roughly 60 guests in its hall.
Two people based in Cabonne, who are now officially Australian citizens, Kevin Little and Lauren Beels became permanent residents of the country.
Mrs Beels, originally from the United Kingdom, says she felt emotional during the formalities after considering Australia her home since 2009.
"I'm just feeling so happy," she said, "and so grateful."
Mayor Kevin Beatty was part of Friday's official swarm alongside Mr Potger, who spoke of "empowering rural communities to solve their own problems" and dubbed those honoured as "the real doers" of their communities.
The formal party included Cabonne Council's general manager Bradley Byrnes and councillor Kathryn O'Ryan, with NSW Nationals member, Sam Farraway also in attendance to mark the honours.
I'm just feeling so happy and so grateful.
- All-new Australian citizen, Lauren Beels.
The three overall Cabonne Shire Awards went to Abby Armstrong for Cabonne Sportsperson of the Year; Ash and Timothy Wright for the Cabonne Environmental Champions of the Year; and Lleyton Edenborough picked up the 2024 Cabonne Youth Ambassador award.
As provided by Cabonne Council, the full list of the 2024 Australia Day Award recipients are as listed below.
Borenore/Nashdale:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Darcey Eyb
- Citizen of the Year: James Sweetapple
- Community Group of the Year: Gardening Enthusiasts Group
Canowindra:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Lillian Harrison
- Citizen of the Year: Peggy Beath
- Community Group of the Year: Canowindra Connections Centre
Cargo:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Mackenzie Thornberry
- Ruddy Citizen of the Year: Huw Greenhill
Cudal:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Rupert Hough
- Community Group of the Year: ANZAC Day Commemoration Services
Cumnock:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Abby Armstrong
- Citizens of the Year: Glyn and Robyn Bruce
- Community Group of the Year: Cumnock General Store Group
Eugowra:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Thomas Turner
- Citizen of the Year: Phillip Wykamp
- Community Group of the Year: EPPA (Eugowra Promotion & Progress Association) - Flood Recovery Committee
Manildra:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Cooper Fliedner
- Citizen of the Year: Glenda Gibson
- Community Group of the Year: Manildra Rhinos Rugby League Football Club
Molong:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Lachlan Hobbs
- Citizen of the Year: Dustin Vandervelde
- Community Group of the Year: Molong Show Society
Mullion Creek:
- Citizen of the Year: Kathryn Cannell
- Community Group of the Year: Mullion Creek Progress Association
Yeoval:
- Young Citizen of the Year: Zach Millstead
- Citizen of the Year: Joyce Johnson
- Community Group of the Year: Yeoval Pa and H Society