The Dubbo Australia Day event was held on Sunday 25 January 2026 at Victoria Park with the hard work of community members recognised during the morning ceremony.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black welcomed residents to the event.
"Australia Day is an opportunity to honour our past, celebrate our achievements and look forward to the future we are building together in the best country in the world.
"It's a time to reflect on our nation's rich history, its diverse culture and the values that unite us as Australians," Clr Black said.
The event was emceed by Councillor Jennifer Cowley OAM, while Councillor Pam Wells provided a Welcome to Country which was followed by an address from Dubbo's Australia Day Ambassador Katie Quach.
During the ceremony, eight outstanding citizens were recognised as Dubbo's 2026 Australia Day award recipients.
Susanne Gavenlock was announced as the 2026 Citizen of the Year.
Pauline McAllister was announced as Dubbo's Senior Citizen of the Year and Aria Bernard as Dubbo's Young Citizen of the Year.
Ian Crafter was announced as the 2026 Sportsperson of the Year and Miley Shipp as the Young Sportsperson of the Year.
Steven Mudford was recognised with the Services to Sport Award, while Angelina Perera received the Services to the Arts Award.
The Community Group of the Year was Sing Out Choir.
Clr Black expressed his honour in presenting the awards to the recipients and extended his gratitude for their contributions to the community.
"I want to thank all the Australia Day Award recipients for their dedication to the Dubbo community.
"Their expertise, experience, and commitment greatly enhance the quality of life here," Clr Black said.
The Dubbo Australia Day event also saw 19 new residents welcomed to the region following the official citizenship ceremony.
CITATIONS – DUBBO AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Susanne (Sue) Gavenlock: Sue was nominated for the award in recognition of her exceptional commitment to the Dubbo community, especially for her tireless work as President of Pink Angels Inc.
In 2011, together with five other women, Sue founded the not-for-profit organisation, Pink Angels Inc. The charity was born from the perceived need to provide practical assistance to women and men who are trying to navigate surgery and treatment following a diagnosis of breast cancer. She is now the only foundation member active within the charity.
Sue has been an inspirational, passionate and dedicated leader for 10 years, and has given 14-and-a-half years of continuous service to Pink Angels.
She works tirelessly to ensure that breast cancer patients have access to whatever assistance or services they might require. At any given time, Pink Angels supports up to 50 patients, and over a 12-month period that number can be around 100.
Sue unknowingly plants peace, kindness and light into the lives of those wrestling with breast cancer and their careers. The charity is her first focus, and she is selfless in giving her time and energy to others. Sue executes her leadership role with grace and humour.
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Pauline McAllister: Pauline is one of Dubbo's most prolific volunteers, devoting almost four decades of continuous service to the communities of Dubbo and the western region through a range of volunteer roles.
Pauline has volunteered for Dubbo Show Society, becoming the first ever female patron for the show and has been a revered mentor to many people on the show committee. Her dedication to the Young Woman of the Year program is legendary.
She also has spent her time contributing to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Dubbo Support Group, where she has given more than 20 years of time and effort. A passionate advocate for the service itself, and for helping to "keep the flying docs flying", she is fiercely devoted to ensuring promotion and backing for the local support group.
Each year Pauline also joins others in dedicating volunteer hours to assist with the Dubbo Rotary's annual Michael Egan Memorial Book Fair which supports cancer research as well as the RFDS.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Aria Bernard: Aria is an exceptional young lady who has demonstrated outstanding sporting achievements across multiple disciplines as well as volunteering in the community and giving back, though her leadership and ability to mentor younger students.
Her contribution extends further than her achievements as an athlete. She volunteered at the Dubbo Stampede in 2024 and contributed to the Dream Night at the zoo, supporting children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Her willingness to volunteer her time shows empathy, leadership and a genuine commitment to her community, as well as demonstrating maturity and confidence. She also contributes meaningfully as a leader, mentor and an official within her various sporting groups.
She is a positive role model, hard‑working, respectful, and a proud representative of Dubbo.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR – Ian Crafter: A quiet achiever is the best way to describe Ian. He has been involved in Ironman events since 2011 when he signed up for his very first event. Since then, he has completed 25 Ironman events and in 2024 he was awarded Ironman Legend at Busselton, WA, referring to his achievement of significant milestones and special recognition for completing 10 Ironman Events at Busselton alone at the time.
Along with all his Ironman success, he has participated in and volunteered at various sporting events across the Dubbo Region, being one of the instrumental driving forces behind the start-up of the Dubbo Stampede. Whilst he is no longer in an executive position, he is still heavily involved in volunteering his time and providing advice each year.
He also gave his full support and assistance to Mirriam Morris in setting up Dubbo parkrun in 2015. As of December 2025, Ian had completed 396 parkruns at 79 locations. He has also volunteered 78 times at seven locations. In 2025, he completed a total of 51 parkruns, which are held once a week. His parkrun PB is 23m 35s.
Ian also participates in the Dubbo Triathlon Club, where he also volunteers his time, and has also participated in the Tour de OROC where, on the road last October, he celebrated his 70th birthday.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR – Miley Shipp: Miley is an exceptional young athlete whose dedication, leadership and outstanding sporting achievements have made her a remarkable role model for her peers and community. A proud sports captain at Dubbo College Senior Campus, she consistently demonstrates commitment, discipline and passion both on and off the field.
She is a standout emerging footballer with a bright future ahead. With her skill, dedication and drive, she is undoubtedly on the path to becoming one of Australia's next great talents.
A proud Indigenous athlete, she was selected to represent New South Wales in the Indigenous State of Origin Soccer team, competing against Queensland in a highly respected showcase of sporting excellence and cultural pride. Further broadening her international experience, she has competed in the Borneo Cup during the Malaysia Tour. Her sporting success is matched by her determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to improvement. Her achievements reflect not only natural talent but also countless hours of training, hard work and personal sacrifice.
Miley has already represented Australia, travelling to Spain as part of the Sydney Allstars to compete on the international stage. Her talent continues to be recognised at elite levels; she recently travelled to England and France during December and January to play with the Western Sydney Wanderers and compete in the prestigious France Tour.
SERVICES TO SPORT AWARD – Steven Mudford: The Dubbo Region is fortunate that Steven calls Dubbo home; not only are his sporting achievements incredible, his voluntary community work in coordinating and supporting countless shearing competitions in the local region single-handedly drives the sport and community of Shearing to thrive.
Steve's extensive contribution to these events include the organisation and running them on the day. He is the most recognisable emcee voice across the events.
He coordinates and supports countless speed shear and sports shear competitions at agricultural shows around NSW and Australia. He is tireless, passionate and humble and well respected throughout the local and global shearing sport industry.
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR – Sing Out Choir: This group, which started approximately two-and-a-half years ago, is about having fun, enjoying the company of others, ensuring people feel relaxed and feeling a part of their local community.
The group came about when it was discovered that something changed for individuals living with dementia when music was played. The therapeutic influence of music could stimulate memories when hearing familiar melodies: people who had forgotten words remembered lyrics, and those who had withdrawn into silence began to sing. Laughter, movement, and joy replaced isolation and sadness.
The group has enhanced communication and evokes emotional responsiveness even in the presence of significant cognitive decline. It outlines observed improvements in engagement and wellbeing, supported by research demonstrating the neurological benefits of singing. It is designed to foster connection, enjoyment, and community for participants and volunteers alike.
SERVICES TO THE ARTS AWARD – Angelina Perera: The outstanding commitment to volunteer service between 2022 to 2025 has demonstrated Angelina's dedication to the performing arts. She has been learning and practicing a variety of cultural dance styles over the last decade along with sharing her artistic talents through the violin.
Through her volunteer performances, she has enriched community events, supported fundraising initiatives, promoted cultural diversity, and brought live arts experiences to a wide range of audiences including seniors, multicultural communities, faith groups, and the broader public.
Her performances have reached hundreds of community members annually, all undertaken on a voluntary basis, generously donating her time and skills for the benefit of the community. Her long-term dedication, versatility in music and dance, and consistent involvement highlight her strong commitment to community arts and cultural inclusion across the Dubbo region.
