The Australia Day Cultural Awards recognise, reward and encourage excellence in the performing, literary, visual and creative arts and crafts. These are the Cultural Awards nominees in each category for the 2026 ceremony at Cooke Park on Monday, 26th January.
Performance Award
This award is for song, dance, drama, music or any combination of these.
- EJ's Muso's Club
EJ's Muso's Club is a nominee in the Cultural Award category at the Parkes Australia Day Awards, for their outstanding contribution to local music and community life.
Affectionately known as Easy Jammin', EJ's Muso's provides a safe, welcoming and fun environment where people of all ages can share and create music. From first-time performers to experienced musicians, everyone is encouraged to get involved, build confidence and connect through the power of music.
EJ's Muso's plays a vital role in uplifting local talent, fostering creativity and ensuring live music remains strong and accessible in Parkes.
This vibrant monthly event is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers who generously give their time, energy and passion. Their commitment to inclusion, culture and community truly embodies the spirit of the Cultural Award and deserves heartfelt recognition this Australia Day.
- Oliver Hughes
Oliver is an outstanding young dancer whose passion, commitment and leadership make him a true role model. He attends Parkes School of Dance (PSD) and Parkes East Public School, where he inspires others by breaking stereotypes as a boy pursuing dance. At PSD, he volunteers as a DanceStepper in the Student Teacher and Leadership program, assisting with classes, concert preparation, and community events.
Oliver has proudly represented PSD at eisteddfods, earning a Highly Commended Award, and regularly performs at local events including school fetes, the Trundle ABBA Festival, Parkes Elvis Festival, and the Parkes Christmas Carnival. He has also participated in the PEPS Talent Quest and helped choreograph Stage 1 and Stage 3 school dance performances.
In 2024 and 2025, Oliver was selected for the Junior Western Region NSW Dance Ensemble and the Pulse Alive Dance Program, performing across NSW. He is also a talented musician with the Parkes East Marimba Ensemble. His dedication, generosity, and leadership make him truly deserving of recognition.
- Parkes Shire Concert Band (Ellen Tom)
The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) celebrated their 30th anniversary with an exceptional weekend of community music, highlighting the importance of sustaining local music in our shire. The celebration began with a Saturday workshop attended by 84 musicians, including invited guests from the Fire & Rescue NSW Band and other regional ensembles. The workshop focused on rehearsal techniques, collaboration, and networking - an invaluable opportunity for small country bands to enrich their skills and connect with fellow musicians.
On Sunday, PSCB hosted a free community concert, bringing together 131 performers across professional ensembles and community bands. Two hundred audience members enjoyed a diverse program, celebrating music as a universal language that spans generations - from 11 to 82 years old.
PSCB, which evolved from the Parkes Town Band (established in the 1890s) into a concert band in 1995, continues to provide quality music experiences for performers and the community alike. Thanks to Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Northparkes for supporting this milestone event.
- Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society
The Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society has once again demonstrated why it is a cornerstone of the cultural life of the region, delivering three outstanding productions in 2025. Their year began with Mamma Mia, directed by Lyn Townsend, performed in front of capacity audiences on 11 occasions - setting a record for the society and showcasing the exceptional talents of local performers, musicians, and technical crews.
The second production, the junior musical "Frozen", also drew full houses. Directed by Lyn Townsend with support from Angie Drooger, Rachel Westcott, and Hannah Farrant-Jayet, the show has earned three Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) award nominations, including Best Production of a School or Youth Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Direction.
The year concluded with a spectacular performance of Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Hannah Symonds, which impressed audiences with its humour, puppetry, and outstanding performances. Many attendees were first-time musical-goers and left eager to return, a testament to the Society's ability to inspire and entertain.
With members from across the region - Orange, Cowra, Forbes, Grenfell, and Bedgerabong - the society blends local and regional talent to deliver high-quality theatre. Parkes M & D continues to uphold a proud legacy of top class performances and remains a vital part of the Parkes Shire's cultural landscape.
Visual Arts Award
This award is for artistic and creative achievement in any medium including painting, sculpture, film, video, textile, clay, wood, or metal.
- Group of 82 Artists
A group of 82 artists of all ages came together to create a truly remarkable mural at Adavale Lane Community Centre, capturing the warmth, spirit, and sense of belonging in our community. Titled "Who We Are & Where We Live", the mural depicts families, farm life, and the beauty of our country, reflecting the heart of Australia.
Over four years, the artists worked as a team to paint 300 detailed canvases spanning 9m x 4m, supported by the incredible coordination of Daneille Diener. The community was involved every step of the way - from sharing photos and choosing images to painting the canvases together - creating a powerful experience of teamwork, creativity, and togetherness.
This extraordinary project was brought to life by:
Julie Westley, Mitchell Westcott, Wendy Richards, Dawn Liddane, Sally Hoy, Kerry Davies, Di Hutchins, Joan Ash, Kim Chambers, Allan Wright, Brett Foran, Sue Woods, Jennifer Hoy, Heather Moss, Kath Lemon, Robyn Morrissey, Heather Green, Val Woods, Laini Hoy, Sally Diener, Jill Crisp, Carole Corbett, Daneille Diener, Kelley Westcott, Lesley Fisher, Maria George, Cathy Bendall, Maddy Woods, Margaret Shepherd, Margaret Marshall, Liz Tanswell, Bella Diener, Skye Westcott, Annette Witherow, Pippa Westcott, Alissa Carpenter, Rhys Hutchins, Elka Townsend, Betty Rosser, Isabelle Noakes, Elise Jackson, Jade Richards, Andrew Rawsthorne, Bruce Foran, Jade Chellas, Donna Shaw, Lesley Jelbart, Sheree Chellas, Cailin Westcott, Courtney Westcott, Judi Unger, Lee Byrne, Ebony Fisher, Charlotte Smith, Vincent Harvey, Hannah Harvey, Charli Townsend, Elsie Littlewood, Meagan Byrne, Chloe Allan, Telli Yilmaz, Layla Yilmaz, Lyndal Edge, Lyn Frecklington, Amy Tanswell, Lisa Fisher, Cameron Noakes, Ann Olsen, Miranda Jelbart, Heather Smith, Laura Mansekk, Julie Macaulay, Isaac Hoy, Sarah Townsend, Pearl Farlow, Robert Fuffill, Prue Britt, Kath Diener, Erica Mrak, Jane Oram, Julie Herring, Annie Neubeck.
- Kerry Davies
Kerry Davies is a dedicated Parkes resident, artist, and community leader, serving as President of Parkes Painting Group and Vice President of Parkes Potters. Last year September, Kerry coordinated the Combined Art Exhibition at the historic Buchanan Mansion, bringing together both groups to showcase their talents. The exhibition was the most successful in the group's 25-year history, attracting over 660 visitors, selling 45 artworks, and serving 165 Devonshire Teas over the weekend.
Kerry's meticulous planning and coordination made the event possible, from securing sponsors and advertising, to arranging ticket sales, display setups, rosters, and catering. She ensured every detail- from tables, linen, and crockery, to the baking roster - was managed efficiently, creating a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors and artists alike.
The exhibition's success will allow donations to local charities, purchase of art equipment, and funding of tutorials for the groups. Kerry's leadership, organisation, and passion for the arts have made a lasting impact on the Parkes creative community.
- Patchwork Princesses Trundle
The Trundle Patchwork Princesses are a remarkable group dedicated to the arts of sewing, quilting, and patchwork, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for participants of all skill levels. Originating at TAFE in the early 1990s, the group continued independently when the classes ceased, sustaining a vibrant learning space where members mentor, teach, and encourage one another, keeping these traditional skills alive in the community.
Over the years, they have generously volunteered their time and talents, contributing to local events, hosting annual Quilt Shows, delivering school holiday programs, and creating handmade items for fundraising. Their community impact includes sewing blankets for sick children, producing face masks during COVID, supporting Days for Girls, and supplying cloth library bags for the Trundle Children's Centre.
The weekly sewing group also provides vital social connection, reducing isolation, building confidence, and nurturing creativity. Through their dedication, the Patchwork Princesses strengthen intergenerational connections, preserve cultural heritage, and enrich the creative and social fabric of Trundle.
- Kyah Turnbull
Kyah has dedicated her life to nurturing and preserving the cultural life of her community, making an extraordinary contribution through teaching, creating, and sharing art. As a respected Wiradjuri woman, she has taught language, mentored young people, and encouraged pride in culture, inspiring the next generation to embrace their heritage.
Kyah has been actively involved in community art and dance for many years, contributing to murals, performances, and cultural events that celebrate local stories and traditions. She continues to practice and share traditional crafts, including making coolamons and clapsticks alongside her partner, ensuring these skills are passed on and remain alive within the community.
Her commitment, creativity, and generosity make her a role model, particularly for young Wiradjuri women, who look to her as an example of how culture, art, and community can be celebrated and shared. Kyah's lifelong dedication makes her truly deserving of recognition.
Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is for outstanding effort by an individual or group to promote the arts in the Parkes Shire area.
- EJ's Muso's Club
Easy Jammin', affectionately known as EJ's Muso's, is a passionate group of volunteers dedicated to supporting and celebrating local music in Parkes. What began many years ago as a humble open mic at the Parkes Hotel has grown into a much-loved monthly event that now travels between venues, giving musicians valuable experience performing in different spaces while showcasing raw, unfiltered local talent to the community.
EJ's Muso's provides a welcoming and supportive environment for musicians of all ages and skill levels - from first-timers finding their confidence to seasoned performers honing their craft. Held on the last Sunday of every month, each event is the result of countless volunteer hours, careful planning and a genuine love for music and community connection.
The EJ's Musos committee and volunteers have worked tirelessly for many years to keep local music alive and accessible. Their dedication, generosity and impact truly deserve recognition and celebration.
- Helen Standen
Helen is an incredible contributor to the Parkes arts community and a valued member of the wider community. Her creativity, generosity and commitment to enriching lives through art are evident in everything she does. Last year, Helen's involvement in Waste to Art, along with the awards she received, speaks volumes about her talent, innovation and dedication to sustainability and creative expression.
After 22 years as a librarian at Middleton Public School, Helen retired but certainly did not slow down. She continues to inspire young people by running engaging art workshops for children, helping them build skills, confidence and creativity while reducing screen time in a meaningful way.
Helen also facilitates art-based community events at Home Grown, creating welcoming spaces for people to connect through creativity. Now offering art therapy services, she supports community wellbeing across all ages. Helen's contributions are truly invaluable and deserving of recognition.
- Helen Gray
Helen Gray is a highly talented visual artist and an extraordinary advocate for the arts in the Parkes Shire. Working across multiple mediums - including oil painting, lino printing, micro mosaics, silk screen printing, and drawing - Helen generously shares her skills and enthusiasm with the community. Her energy and encouragement are infectious, and the art classes and workshops she runs are both challenging and rewarding.
Helen has contributed widely, volunteering for local projects, assisting schools, and leading public art initiatives such as the Trundle Library mural. She has collaborated with the Trundle RSL on photographic portraits of local soldiers, supported Arts Festivals, and provided workshops in Trundle, Tullamore, and Parkes. As a trained teacher and long-time Fine Arts Steward for the Trundle P & A Society, Helen nurtures students and young artists, helping them develop skills and meaningful connections through creativity.
Her dedication, generosity, and passion for the arts have enriched countless lives, making Helen Gray a truly deserving recipient of the Cultural Lifetime Achievement Award.
