Thirteen exceptional individuals and community groups have been honoured for their hard work, selflessness, and community spirit as part of Cessnock Local Government Area's 2026 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship ceremony.
Seventy-six people were naturalised as Australian citizens at the ceremony - a record number for Cessnock's Australia Day proceedings.
Kiray Putjung Aboriginal Corporation organiser and volunteer Tracey Skene was named Citizen of the Year at a civic ceremony at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) on Australia Day morning.
The 57-year-old Cessnock resident was recognised for her dedication and commitment to our community through her service with the non-for-profit group.
Kiray Putjung is instrumental in organising Cessnock's NAIDOC days, and provides safe and supportive spaces to enhance the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples through essential services, and activities including cultural and healing camps and workshops, aimed at fostering a brighter future for the community.
Ms Skene was among those recognised across seven award categories to mark Australia Day in Cessnock LGA.
Janece Harrison was named Senior Citizen of the Year for her contributions to the Wollombi community, and Taylee Short won the Young Citizen of the Year category for her commitment to community service.
Cessnock City Mayor Dan Watton said the award recipients represented the community spirit and selflessness to which we should all aspire.
"Australia Day is great time to acknowledge and express gratitude to those who tirelessly contribute to life in Cessnock LGA," said Clr Watton.
"I would like to sincerely congratulate those individuals and groups who are being recognised, and thank them for the outstanding impacts they have on our community."
Cessnock City Council Australia Day Awards 2026
- Citizen of the Year: Tracey Skene
- Senior Citizen of the Year: Janece Harrison
- Young Citizen of the Year: Taylee Short
- Community Event of the Year: Nulkaba Parkrun
- Environment Award: Castiel Martin
- Heritage Award: Valerie Randall
- Community Award: Cessnock Women's Connect, Pastor Amanda Francis, Happy Paws Happy Hearts Hunter, Patricia Maybury, Charlie McLennan, Colleen Payne, Vicki Steep.
