Parkes Shire Council is proud to recognise the outstanding individuals, groups and organisations who make a meaningful difference to community life through the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Parkes Shire is home to an extraordinary range of people whose dedication, leadership and passion help strengthen the social, cultural and sporting fabric of the region. The Australia Day Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge those who go above and beyond in service to others, creative and cultural pursuits, and sporting excellence.
Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee congratulated all recipients, saying the awards reflect the generosity and spirit that define the community.
"Our Australia Day Award winners truly represent the best of Parkes Shire. Each recipient has made a lasting contribution to our community, whether through volunteering, creativity, environmental stewardship or sporting achievement. Council is incredibly proud to celebrate their efforts and thank them for the positive impact they have on the lives of others," the Deputy Mayor said.
2026 Parkes Shire Australia Day Award Winners
Community & Citizen Awards
- Citizen of the Year: Mark Ritchie
- Young Citizen of the Year: Nenyasha (Asha) Munodawafa
- Community Event or Project of the Year: Inkredible Birthday Bash – Inkredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barber
- Environmental Citizen of the Year: Margot Jolly
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kay Craft
Cultural Awards
- Visual Arts Award: Adavale Lane Community Centre Committee and Members – Mural
- Performance Award: Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society
- Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award: Helen Gray
Sports Awards
- Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star: Emrys Cassidy (Athletics)
- Sportsperson of the Year: Elizabeth MacGregor (Rugby League)
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Jett Johnstone (Hockey)
- Team of the Year: Parkes U18 Boys Hockey Team
- Coach / Trainer / Manager of the Year: Jack Elliott (Hockey)
- Senior Sportsperson or Team: Denise Gersbach (Hockey)
- Administrator of the Year: Angela Bottaro-Porter (Soccer)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Morrissey (Cricket)
- Referee or Official of the Year: Lachlan Reynolds (Touch Football)
Parkes Shire Council extends its sincere congratulations to all 2026 Australia Day Award winners and thanks them for their commitment, leadership and service to the community.
Caption:
Parkes Shire Mayor, Neil Westcott (second left) with the winner and nominees of the Citizen of the Year Award (l to r): nominee Peter Thompson, nominee Marilyn Pizarro, Citizen of the Year Mark Ritchie and nominee Peter Guppy.
