One of the greatest honours I have as Mayor is chairing the Australia Day Awards Committee. While the task of selecting winners is never easy, it's an absolute privilege to read through the nominations and see the incredible contributions made by people across our shire.
Every year, I'm reminded of just how strong and community-focused Kempsey Shire is. We are a region built on generosity, resilience and care, where people show up for one another, time and time again. Whether it's fire, flood, drought or storm, our locals don't hesitate. You step up to help, to rebuild, to reconnect.
You're the ones who get kids back on the sports fields, who bring joy and comfort after adversity, who dedicate years to a cause, and who act with bravery in moments that change lives. These are the stories that inspire us and they deserve to be recognised.
That's what makes our Australia Day Awards so special. The winners and nominees show up every day for something bigger than themselves. They show up for our community.
We're now calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards. If you know someone who goes above and beyond, please take a moment to nominate them. It's a powerful way to honour their efforts and showcase the spirit that makes our shire so special.
Awards categories include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year
- Community Group of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Reconciliation Award
