A 13-year commitment to supporting people living with disability has earned Kevin McGguire the Australia Day 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.
Mr McGuire received the award for his transformative leadership as chief executive officer at Wangarang Industries over 13 years.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto congratulated Mr McGuire and all the winners and nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards.
Orange's 2026 Citizen of the Year, Kevin McGuire.
"Kevin's sound leadership in a challenging environment is an inspiration for the community," Cr Mileto said.
"His guidance not only helped Wangarang go from strength to strength, but also improved the lives of the many people with a disability who make up the Wangarang workforce.
"Congratulations to all the winners and nominees whose commitment and dedication has been recognised and who have made a positive difference to other people's lives."
The Young Citizen of the Year award was presented to Oliver Jarick for his extraordinary commitment as a young Rural Fire Service volunteer.
The Easter Family received the award for Community Event of the Year, which recognised the event's 35-year history of bringing the community together.
The award for Community Group of the Year was awarded to Pipsqueaks Playgroup for offering a free, supportive playgroup for children under five and their carers.
The Local Legend Award was awarded to John Moss for his volunteer leadership across the Orange Running Festival, Cycling Without Age, the City of Orange Brass Band, and Treadlies.
The Business Philanthropy Award was awarded to Toby Tancred Solicitor for more than 15 years of outstanding community service, including financial support for junior sport, coaching, pro bono legal work, and leadership across multiple community organisations.
The awards were presented this morning at Australia Day celebrations in Cook Park.
