Australia Day 2026 Award Winners Announced

Blayney Shire Council hosted the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Heritage Park, on Monday. The day commenced with a free BBQ community breakfast, followed by the Awards Ceremony in the amphitheatre.

Firstly, three new Australian citizens were welcomed with a special citizenship ceremony.

Attendees then heard from the Blayney Shire Australia Day Ambassador Robina Beard who talked about her six-decade career across stage television and dance. She talked about honouring creativity, resilience and community spirit, and shared stories that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our nation, encouraging Australians to celebrate what unites us.

The awards where then presented as follows:

Blayney Shire Australia Day Citizen of the Year – Sally Green

Sally Green is born and bred Blayney Shire woman, raising her three children in the district and she has five grandchildren growing up here.

Over a number of decades, Sally has volunteered for a number of organisations, including 13 years with the Errowanbang School P&C, a founding member of the Cadia Community Sustainability Network, a board member for Uralba Aged Care, and as Treasurer for the last 10 years of Carcoar Show, she has brought the finances back on track.

Sally has been an enthusiastic member of Blayney View Club since its inception and exemplified the view pledge ‘to promote the interests of view, to extend friendship to all and to help those in need.’

Sally has put in countless volunteer hours for our community, and she is well deserved to be presented with the Blayney Shire Citizen of the Year Award.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year - Zareah Coughlan

Zareah is a dedicated volunteer coach at ZJC Gymnastics, where she gives her time to support and mentor young athletes. She is currently completing an international coaching certification to further develop her skills and strengthen her ability to support others at higher levels.

Beyond her local club, Zareah was selected as an assistant coach on the NSW Gymnastics State Trampoline Team, accompanying athletes to national championships on the Gold Coast. This role required significant commitment, including training weekends and competitions across New South Wales, demonstrating her reliability, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond.

Zareah also volunteers with St Vincent de Paul during school holidays, showing a strong sense of compassion and community service.

Through her dedication, resilience and positive leadership, Zareah consistently makes a meaningful contribution to those around her. She is an outstanding role model and a proud ambassador for the Blayney region.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Sporting Achievement Award - Paige Owen

Paige has achieved exceptional results in dirt and long track motorcycle racing, competing at club, state and national level. She travelled extensively across NSW and Queensland, consistently placing against highly competitive fields.

Paige recorded multiple podium finishes including several first-place results and a NSW State Title. She regularly competes against older and more experienced riders whilst racing in predominantly male fields, and does so with resilience, focus and sportsmanship.

Away from competition, Paige is a positive role model within the Blayney community. She balances the demands of training and travel with her school studies, employment at IGA and involvement in other community sports.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Volunteer of the Year - Sarah Hunter

Sarah moved to Newbridge around eight years ago and has since become an integral part of the village and wider community. She has served as President of the Newbridge Progress Association and has also taken on media liaison and publicity roles, playing a key part in the successful delivery of multiple community events. Through her strong organisational skills and ability to secure grants and funding, Sarah has helped ensure events are well planned, well resourced and well attended.

Despite a busy schedule, Sarah consistently makes time for community service. She contributes to the Swap Meet Committee, Spring into Art, the Winter Solstice event, and is a member of the Stringybark Craft Cottage collective, Bathurst CWA and Newbridge RFS.

Alongside her husband Andy, Sarah is also transforming the Newbridge School into a venue which will be a valuable asset to the village.

Her commitment, leadership and genuine care for Newbridge make her highly deserving of recognition.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Community Event of the Year - Blayney Show 2025

The 147th Blayney Show, was a standout community event, attracting record attendance and a significant increase in entries across almost every section. The show brought together exhibitors, competitors and volunteers to showcase the breadth of talent in our region from produce, flowers, cooking and craft to machinery displays, horse events and livestock judging.

A key feature was the Junior Judging and Education Day, held the day prior for 150 high school agricultural students from across the Central West. They took part in hands-on learning experiences, supported by volunteer presenters and organised by dedicated show committee members.

An event like this does not come together easily and its success in 2025 reflects the commitment of volunteers and the strong sense of pride within the Shire, making it a deserving recipient of Community Event of the Year.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award - Michael Higgins.

Michael Higgins is recognised for his outstanding dedication, leadership and service to Sunnyridge Golf Club and the wider community. He consistently goes above and beyond to support the club, its members and the wider community, demonstrating the true spirit of volunteerism.

Through his ongoing commitment and willingness to give his time, Michael has made a meaningful contribution and is a deserving recipient of a Blayney Shire Appreciation Award.

Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award - Graham Pilson.

Graham Pilson, affectionately known as GUB, is recognised for his long-standing contribution to Sunnyridge Golf Club and the Mandurama community. Graham has dedicated countless hours to supporting the club and fostering fellowship, participation and community spirit.

Through his ongoing commitment, Graham has helped ensure Sunnyridge Golf Club remains a valued meeting place for Mandurama and the wider Blayney Shire. His generosity of time, skills and knowledge reflects the importance of volunteers to community life, and his service makes him a deserving recipient of the Blayney Shire Australia Day Appreciation Award.