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Australia Day 2025 Award Winners Announced

Blayney Shire Council hosted the 2025 Australia Day Awards at Heritage Park, Blayney.  The day commenced with a free BBQ community breakfast, followed by the Awards Ceremony in the amphitheatre.

Firstly, attendees heard from the Blayney Shire Australia Day Ambassador Viv Kartsounis. Viv is a passionate changemaker and the founder of Shoes for Planet Earth, a charity that has transformed over 100,000 lives by providing sports shoes to people in need. From the homeless and disaster victims to orphans and vulnerable communities, Viv’s work spans across Australia and 24 other countries, spreading hope, dignity, and empowerment one pair of shoes at a time.

Millthorpe Local, John Mason was also acknowledged as he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his unwavering service to the community.

Award winners 2025 aus day

Blayney Shire Australia Day Citizen of the Year: Maree Farr

Maree is a deeply valued resident of Carcoar who exemplifies the true spirit of the village through her kindness, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to supporting others in the community.

Her voluntary efforts extend far and wide. Maree provides invaluable assistance to our elderly residents with transport to weekly shopping trips and to essential appointments, and even caring for homes and pets when neighbours are away. She never hesitates to lend a hand, no matter the request.

Each day, Maree collects 14 newspapers from the post office and personally delivers them throughout the village and surrounding areas. This thoughtful gesture doubles as her quiet way to check on the well-being of residents, ensuring they feel cared for and connected. With her warm laughter and joyful spirit, Maree uplifts those around her, bringing comfort and happiness to the community.

To some she is considered a saint, to others a lifeline.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year: Sophie Bannerman

Sophie, a 14-year-old from a local Angus Stud between Blayney and Carcoar, is an inspiring role model whose actions and contributions greatly contribute to her community and peers.

Known for her kindness, generosity, and cheerful nature, Sophie is always ready to support those around her. Whether through her leadership on the School Representative Council at Blayney High, her involvement with the Blayney Show Society, or just her willingness to lend a hand to those around her.

At Blayney High, Sophie consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her studies applying herself to every task and supporting classmates in their learning. Beyond academics, Sophie is invariably kind and is acknowledged as a reliable and trustworthy student by her classmates and teachers.

Sophie is a natural leader, taking on a key role in the School Representative Council at Blayney High and is on track to be the first from her year group to achieve the school’s coveted Bronze Medallion.

With an early passion for agricultural animals, Sophie is currently working at Blayney Vets and has a future goal of combining her love of animals and learning to become a vet.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Sporting Achievement Award: Jim Jeffery

Jim Jeffery is a veteran marksman from the Lyndhurst Rifle Club who was crowned the World Champion in the over 70s Veteran category at the World Championships held in South Africa last year. Competing against a strong international field, his victory highlights his exceptional skill, resilience, and ability to excel under challenging conditions.

Whilst small, Lyndhurst Rifle Club has gained a prestigious reputation for producing top international shooters. Jim exemplifies this legacy, having won many Queen’s Prize titles across Australia and has been a member of multiple state and Australian Teams. His World Championship Title further cements the club’s standing as a hub for world-class talent.

Jim’s achievements underscore that age is no barrier to excellence. His dedication, discipline, and passion have enabled him to perform at the highest level, adapting to tough conditions and competing successfully against the world’s best.

Jim’s journey from a local club to global recognition showcases the values of hard work and sportsmanship. His accomplishments serve as both a personal triumph and an inspiration to athletes of all ages, while shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent nurtured at Lyndhurst Rifle Club.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Sporting Achievement Award: Emma Grey

COVID brought many things, but for Emma Grey it brought her long-distance running. Over the last 4 years, Emma has found her passion for running and competed in multiple events, from half marathons to 100km ultra events.  

In June 2024, Emma was not only the first female but the first overall finisher of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 100km with an exceptional time of 8 hours and 48 minutes.

After finishing as the first female at the Southern Sydney Track Ultra, Emma was selected for the Australian Women’s 100km World Championships Team to run in Bangalore, India, in December 2024. She finished in 23rd place overall and 1st out of the Australian Team with an impressive time of 8 hours and 27 minutes.

Emma is an inspiring athlete and showcases strength and resilience.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Volunteer of the Year: Deirdre Molloy

Deirdre Molloy has been a cornerstone of the Mandurama community for over 60 years, making an extraordinary impact through her volunteer work and leadership. As a member of the Mandurama Memorial Hall Committee since 1957, Deirdre has held virtually every committee role since, currently serving as Crown Land Manager and President. Her dedication to preserving and enhancing the Hall has enabled it to continue as a community hub and host various events for the community.

Deirdre is known for her meticulous attention to detail, securing funding for key infrastructure upgrades like a new kitchen and improved facilities, and for her hands-on approach to volunteer management. She recruits and motivates volunteers, ensuring the Hall remains accessible and welcoming to all.

Her efforts have earned recognition, including a 30-year service award for Crown Land Management and a semi-finalist nomination for the NSW Government Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Awards.

Deirdre’s dedication to community service and the community of Mandurama makes her very deserving of this award.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Community Event of the Year: Newbridge Winter Solstice.

Not only was the 2024 Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival bigger than ever, but it also included a series of new activities and highlights for attendees.

With a series of successful grant applications, the festival was able to extend and include a Mediaeval Banquet as the opening event. Organised primarily by Jacquie McAllum, a banquet for 50 people was held in the opulently decorated Brian Bennett Pavilion with Scottish music, fire twirlers and circus performers entertaining costumed attendees.

The solstice event on Saturday extended two village blocks with over sixty market stalls with an inaugural festival parade, led by the Canobolas Pipe Band with Dancers, Vikings and circus performers streamed down the road, with the magnificent horses, knights and squires bringing up the rear.

For the first time the Showground was utilised for fighting displays, a Viking village and a jousting demonstration.

As a village event, the 2024 Winter Solstice Festival provided safe, family-centric entertainment for visitors from the local area and from as far away as Sydney. Feedback from stallholders and visitors overwhelmingly indicated a very well-organised and enjoyable event.

An event like this does not come together easily without hardworking volunteers and we congratulate all those involved.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award: Lyndall Harrison.

Lyndall has been a part of the Millthorpe Garden Ramble Committee for 10 years, and as president for 7. During that time the Ramble has built up from a small event to bringing 1,200 visitors to Millthorpe and the Blayney Shire.

Lyndall is also a passionate advocate for education and joined the Country Education Foundation in 2016 and has been a strong supporter for the organisation ever since. Furthermore, she is a long-standing volunteer for Millthorpe Museum, member of the Millthorpe Village Committee and representative on Council’s Disability Inclusion Working Group. Lyndall is a dedicated community member, loyal friend and always supporting those in need.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award: Kevin Radburn

Kevin has always been an active and proud member for the Neville community. He is the Trustee for Neville Showground Trust, coordinates the Neville Memorial Park ANZAC Service and has been involved with the Presbyterian Church for a number of years. He was also a Councillor for Blayney Shire Council, a representative on the Cemetery committee and runs the Neville Siding Accommodation bringing good publicity to Neville.

Kevin has been a long-standing contributor to the Neville community and is greatly appreciated by all.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award: Jan Dickie.

Jan has been a contributor to the Newbridge community for many years with her involvement being instrumental in launching and maintaining popular village events. Jan and her husband, Bob have worked hard for years as organisers of the Newbridge Swap Meet and Jan has previously been a dedicated office bearer for the Newbridge Progress Association.

Jan is still involved with various events and has a passion for the creative arts, meeting weekly with the Newbridge Art Group and helping coordinate three annual arts shows as part of Spring into Art at Newbridge. An exhibition which has grown by 30% each year since launching in 2022 and had an impressive 164 artworks last year. Our community is lucky to have such a champion got for the arts and hardworking volunteers like Jan.

 

Mayor Reynolds acknowledged the important role all volunteers play in our community.  

‘We are fortunate to be part of such an amazing community and are grateful for the countless hours our volunteers dedicate.’

‘Each of our award winners this year truly deserves this recognition.’


Last modified: 28 Jan 2025

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