The Parkes Shire Council area recognises locals and community events at their Australia Day ceremony each year. These are the Community Awards nominees in each category for the 2026 ceremony at Cooke Park on Monday, 26th January.
Citizen of the Year
This award recognises members of the community who have gone above and beyond, who have made an outstanding achievement and/or contribution to the community in the past year.
1. Marilyn Pizarro
Marilyn has devoted over 50 years of volunteering to the Parkes Shire, making a remarkable and lasting impact on the community. She has generously shared her time, skills, and leadership across multiple local organisations, including the Parkes Country Women's Association, View Club, and Que Club.
In each role, Marilyn has supported others with kindness, patience, and dedication, mentoring and teaching members while helping to uphold the values and spirit of her community groups. Her unwavering commitment and quiet leadership have enriched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of the Parkes community.
Marilyn's lifetime of service exemplifies selflessness, compassion, and community spirit, making her a truly deserving nominee for recognition in the Parkes Australia Day Awards.
2. Mark Ritchie
Mark Ritchie is a true example of a citizen who serves his community through both his vocation and voluntary work. Mark first came to Parkes as an electrical trades teacher with TAFE, later working as a training coordinator at Northparkes Mines before returning to TAFE part-time after retirement. His passion for teaching and mentoring young people has continued for decades, including voluntarily tutoring apprentices preparing for their capstone electrician exams.
Mark has also devoted himself to community service, volunteering with Apex, coaching tennis, assisting local schools, and joining the Rotary Club of Parkes in 2014. A past president and current youth director, he leads programs such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Science Forums, and the Youth Program of Enrichment, as well as the Rotary Driving Simulator experience.
Mark consistently identifies community needs and steps up to meet them, from fitting alarms for older residents to mentoring youth. His 40 years of dedicated service make him a deserving nominee for Parkes Citizen of the Year.
3. Peter Guppy
Since arriving in Parkes in 2012, Peter has been a tireless volunteer, actively contributing to the community across a range of events and organisations. He began volunteering at the Elvis Festival in 2013 and soon joined the Parkes Action Club, co-ordinating Christmas parades, carnivals, and assisting wherever needed, including manning the jumping castle at events.
Peter is a valued member of the Australia Day Committee, where he initiated the Kite Festival at North Parkes Oval, running it annually to provide fun and engagement for families. He is also passionately involved in Cycling Without Age, giving nursing home residents over 1,000 rides in the trishaw and supporting the establishment of similar programs in other towns.
Additionally, Peter volunteers 10 hours a week with Lifeline as a crisis supporter and has served as safety officer for the Parkes Show Society since 2022. His dedication, compassion, and energy make Peter a truly deserving nominee, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to the Parkes community.
4. Peter Thompson
Peter Thompson exemplifies the true spirit of community service through both his professional and voluntary contributions. A farmer and former owner of a rural supplies store in Parkes, Peter has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Parkes since 1996. By Australia Day 2026, he will have provided 30 years of continuous service to the local community.
Peter has served as past president and is currently long-standing vice-president of the club. He organises catering to raise funds for Rotary projects and is actively involved in service delivery, including supporting overseas aid projects in Papua New Guinea and Nepal, assisting farmers during droughts, and helping flood-affected communities in Eugowra in 2022. Peter has also personally hosted individuals in need, such as a young man from Timor-Leste recovering from complex heart surgery.
Through decades of unwavering commitment, leadership, and hands-on service, Peter Thompson has made a lasting difference in the Parkes Shire, making him a highly deserving nominee for Citizen of the Year.
Young Citizen of the Year
This award recognises young members of the community (24 years of age and under) who have gone above and beyond, who have made an outstanding achievement and/or contribution to the community in the past year.
- Charlie Oraha
Meet Charlie Oraha, a proud young Wiradjuri man and dedicated contributor to the Parkes community. Charlie works as a Learning Support Officer at Parkes East Public School, where he mentors students and delivers the highly regarded BroSPeak program, encouraging positive behaviour, choices and mindsets for Indigenous and non-Indigenous boys.
Charlie is an active member of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group and serves as Vice President of the Parkes Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG). In recognition of his leadership, he was selected as a Young Champion by First Languages Australia and represented Parkes and Wiradjuri culture at the First Nations Language Conference in Darwin.
A committed rugby league player at the Koori Knockout, Charlie also founded the volunteer-run Kalar Waganha Aboriginal dance group, helping young people connect with culture through dance. He regularly delivers the Wiradjuri Welcome, demonstrating Yinyamarra (respect) and inspiring the next generation.
- Leah van der Merwe
Leah is an exceptional young scientist whose curiosity, dedication, and resilience have earned her national and international recognition. She has been selected as the sole Australian student representative to attend the prestigious CERN-Solvay Student Camp in Switzerland this October, hosted by the world's largest particle physics laboratory.
Leah independently discovered this opportunity and successfully navigated a rigorous application process involving academic reports and video submissions. Her achievement is a powerful example for young women in regional Australia, showing that passion, perseverance, and curiosity can open doors to global opportunities.
A committed student of English, Maths, and Physics, Leah encourages her peers to "give it a try," emphasizing authenticity and the value of persistence. Her ambition to pursue a science degree and "make a difference" is matched by her dedication to inspiring others.
Leah is an outstanding ambassador for Parkes, representing the community on the international stage and making her a deserving Australia Day Award nominee.
- Nenyasha (Asha) Munodawafa
Nenyasha "Asha" Munodawafa is a young leader and the founder of The Hey Sis Project, a youth-led initiative empowering and inspiring young women across Parkes and the Central West. Guided by the belief that every girl deserves a safe and inclusive space, Asha has created programs that foster wellbeing, leadership, confidence, and connection.
Through The Hey Sis Project, Asha has coordinated impactful events including an all-girls Galentine's Day celebration, community fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation and Do It For Dolly, and weekly all-girls cardio tennis squads that promote resilience, physical activity, and friendship. These programs give young women the opportunity to develop leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and feel safe, supported, and valued within their community.
Asha's exceptional drive, compassion, and leadership have been widely recognised, including receiving the Young Volunteer Achievement Award at the 2024 Tennis NSW Awards. Her dedication to empowering girls and creating lasting community impact makes her a truly deserving nominee for an Australia Day Award.
Community Event of the Year
This award recognises outstanding events in the Parkes Shire that have occurred since January of this year.
- Bush Dinner & Dance - Adavale Community Centre Committee and Members
The Bush Dinner & Dance, held on 29 March 2025, was a heart-warming celebration of country spirit and community connection. Stepping back in time, families gathered to enjoy a BBQ dinner and shared salads and desserts, creating a true country-style feast among friends and neighbours.
The hall was transformed into an enchanting space, with over 5,000 fairy lights, checkered tablecloths, fresh flowers, bunting, hay bales and a rustic horse-and-saddle photo display. Children enjoyed a jumping castle, while the Kelly Gang Bush Band brought the night alive, guiding dancers through lively mixer dances and boot-scooting fun filled with laughter.
The event was entirely organised by dedicated volunteers from the Adavale Lane Community Centre, whose ongoing commitment creates meaningful opportunities for people to come together. The Bush Dinner & Dance beautifully reflected country values and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, leaving the community eager for the next gathering.
- Bush Christmas in July - Adavale Lane Community Centre Committee and Members
The Bush Christmas in July, held on 19 July 2025 at the Adavale Lane Community Centre, was a memorable evening that brought warmth, generosity and festive spirit to the community. Eighty-six guests enjoyed a three-course Christmas dinner with all the trimmings beneath a canopy of thousands of fairy lights, accompanied by traditional Christmas music.
The hall was transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive banners, a large hanging floral centrepiece and beautifully styled tables featuring pinecones, fairy lights, crackers and colourful treats. A crackling wood fire inside and a firepit outside kept guests warm as canapés were served, while trivia and a silent auction added to the fun.
After dinner, Lachlan Miller from KMWL led a lively live auction, raising funds to improve the community hall. The event was entirely delivered by dedicated volunteers from the Adavale Lane Community Hall Committee, whose ongoing efforts reflect strong country values and a deep commitment to bringing people together.
- Mister Perfect Parkes (Alex Woolstencroft)
Alex Woolstencroft is an outstanding community leader and a passionate advocate for men's mental health in Parkes. As the host of Mr Perfect Parkes, Alex leads a monthly BBQ that brings local men together to connect, share stories and support one another in a safe, welcoming environment.
Since taking on the Parkes chapter, Alex has shown genuine dedication to reducing social isolation and encouraging open conversations around mental wellbeing. The free BBQs combine good food with meaningful connection, and under Alex's leadership, attendance has continued to grow. Many participants describe the gatherings as life-changing and a vital source of friendship and support.
Beyond the BBQs, Alex actively promotes mental wellbeing across the region, partnering with local services, sharing resources and leading with empathy and authenticity. His volunteer commitment reflects the true spirit of community. Through Alex's efforts, Mr Perfect Parkes has become a cornerstone of connection, and a powerful example of the positive impact one person can make.
- Inkcredible Birthday Bash - Inkcredible Experience Tattoo Gallery and Barbar (Trevor Smith)
Inkcredible Experience, operating in Parkes for 14 years, has become a pillar of community engagement. For the past five years, the business has hosted the Inkcredible Birthday Bash every May - a free, family-friendly event on Clarinda Street featuring live music, markets, car and bike displays, and kids' activities.
Organised by Trevor and Courtney Smith with their dedicated team, the event draws people from all walks of life, providing a fun, inclusive space while raising awareness and funds for mental health services. In 2025, over 750 people attended, and more than $5,000 was donated to local organisations such as Safe Haven.
The Birthday Bash reflects the team's commitment to supporting the Parkes community, giving their time, energy, and resources to create a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone. Through their efforts, Inkcredible Experience strengthens connections, celebrates local business, and champions mental health, making a lasting positive impact on the region.
- International Women's Day Luncheon - Parkes Que Club Inc (Karen Ritchie)
Parkes Que Club (formerly Quota) is a not-for-profit women's service club that has proudly served the Parkes community for 68 years. Members raise funds through activities such as running the Jockey Club canteen and staging the Parkes Open Gardens and provide direct support to the community by assembling emergency bags for women fleeing domestic violence and knitting teddy bears for traumatised children.
Every March, the Club hosts an International Women's Day luncheon, celebrating women's achievements and encouraging future leaders. In 2025, the event welcomed 190 attendees, featuring inspiring talks from local leaders Marg Applebee and Rachael Kerin, performances by ukulele players, and displays by local artists and artisans. The theme, "Accelerate Action for Women's Equality", highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges, fostering empowerment, mentorship, and advocacy.
Through decades of dedication and impactful events, Parkes Que Club has strengthened community spirit, championed women's rights, and created opportunities for connection, learning, and inspiration, making it a deserving nominee for Community Event of the Year.
- 30th Anniversary Weekend - Parkes Shire Concert Band
The Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a remarkable weekend of community music, highlighting the band's enduring role in fostering musical talent and connection across the Shire.
The celebration included a Saturday workshop with invited guests, including the Fire & Rescue NSW Band and other regional musicians, bringing together 84 musicians for rehearsals focused on technique, collaboration, and networking. Workshops like these are invaluable for small country bands, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and share experiences.
On Sunday, PSCB hosted a free community concert, featuring two professional ensembles alongside community bands, with 131 musicians performing for an audience of 200 people. The event showcased music as a universal language, engaging participants aged 11 to 82.
From its origins as the Parkes Town Band in the 1890s to today's concert band, PSCB continues to enrich the community, supported by grants from Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Northparkes, ensuring the future of music in the region.
- Parkes Tractor Trekkers (Richard, Glenn, Jefferay et al)
The Parkes Tractor Trekkers have demonstrated incredible dedication and community spirit over the past two years, raising funds for prostate cancer research while promoting men's health awareness. In their first year, 10–14 participants raised $40,000, and this year their efforts soared to an astounding $253,000.
The team spent months planning, repairing their 1948–52 TEA20 tractors, securing local and national sponsorship, and coordinating logistics with support vehicles, mechanics, and trucks. Their journey from Bourke to Birdsville not only raised vital funds but also supported local businesses along the route.
Communities along the trek were inspired by their dedication, engaging with the team, donating, and learning about the importance of men's health. The Tractor Trekkers impressed many with their openness, enthusiasm, and commitment to a life-changing cause. Their courage, persistence, and teamwork make the Parkes Tractor Trekkers a deserving nominee for recognition in the Australia Day Awards.
Community Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognises members of the community who have gone above and beyond, who have made an outstanding contribution to the Parkes community over many years.
- Dianne Green
Dianne has been the compassionate heart of breast cancer care in the Parkes and Forbes regions for more than 20 years. She has supported countless women and men through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with extraordinary empathy, professionalism, and dedication.
Known for her personal commitment, Dianne goes above and beyond - answering calls after hours, visiting patients at home, and ensuring no one faces cancer alone. She coordinates care between hospitals, specialists, and families, helping patients navigate the medical system while providing much-needed emotional support.
Dianne also organises information sessions, Pink Ribbon events, and fundraisers, raising funds for equipment, travel assistance, and patient support programs that directly improve lives across the Central West. Her kindness extends beyond her professional role - celebrating recoveries, comforting families, and offering hope through difficult times.
Dianne's lifetime of service embodies courage, compassion, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on our community and transforming breast cancer care.
- Kay Craft
Kay Craft is a quiet, kind, intelligent, and fun-loving community leader whose dedication has touched countless lives in Parkes. With a distinguished 30-year career in Family and Community Services and Housing NSW, Kay brought extensive public sector and community experience when she joined the Neighbourhood Central Board in 2012, where she continues to contribute her skills as treasurer and board member.
Kay has been an integral member of the Parkes Quota Club (now Que Club) since 1996, consistently serving as treasurer or assistant treasurer. She ensures smooth operations, supports board decisions, and participates wholeheartedly in events - from canteen duties at the races to photography for club publicity.
A devoted parishioner, Kay continues her late husband Mick's work delivering communion in Niola, serves on her church's social committee, and helps organise parish activities. Her unwavering kindness, commitment, and positive influence make Kay Craft a truly deserving nominee for 2026 Parkes Australian of the Year.
- Michael De La Hunty
Michael Delahunty is the driving force behind the Parkes Aviation Museum, established in partnership with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). Since 1996, Michael has dedicated himself to developing the museum, commuting from the Blue Mountains and living in Parkes several days each week to oversee its growth.
Michael has been instrumental in sourcing, transporting, and displaying a range of historic aircraft, including the P3 Orion, C47 DC3, Caribou, Neptune Sub Hunter, Macchi Jet Trainer, Vampire Jet Fighter, Wessex and Cobra helicopters, and commercial aircraft such as the Herron. He has also organised aviation events including fly-ins and aerobatic displays, creating unique tourism opportunities for the Parkes community.
Beyond aircraft, Michael mentors youth through hosting Parkes High School work experience students and RFS cadet training days, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation. His commitment to preserving aviation history and promoting tourism makes Michael Delahunty a deserving nominee for recognition in the Parkes Australia Day Awards.
