Wagga Wagga's community champions were celebrated and recognised at the 2026 Australia Day Awards Ceremony held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre on the evening of Sunday 25 January.
A total of 11 nominations were received across four award categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, and Walk of Honour.
These submissions were carefully evaluated and assessed by the members of the 2026 Australia Day Community Committee with the finalists in each category announced during the ceremony, detailing their outstanding contribution to our community.
The Award recipients are as follows:
Aunty Mary Atkinson – 2026 Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year
Aunty Mary has shown outstanding dedication through her many contributions to the Wagga Wagga community over several decades.
Aunty Mary is a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal Elder who has devoted 25 years to education and is a strong advocate for the First Nations community. Her upbringing, lived experiences, cultural traditions and heritage have played a vital role in strengthening local unity.
Lachlan Mitchell – 2026 Wagga Wagga Young Citizen of the Year
Lachlan is a Year 10 student at Kooringal High School who is passionate and deeply committed to protecting our environment.
Lachlan is an advocate for environmental change and is involved in many initiatives including South Wagga Rotary Youth Circular Initiative, Kooringal High School Environment Committee and National Tree Day. Lachlan also volunteers his time by running upskilling sessions, participating in environmental projects, and mentoring students.
Carmel Wallis & Kaye Bryan – 2026 Walk of Honour inductees
Carmel and Kaye were jointly nominated and honoured for this award for their significant role as co-founders and the driving force behind ErinEarth, one of Wagga Wagga's most important environmental and community education initiatives.
For more than 25 years, Carmel and Kaye have inspired countless groups and individuals to 'walk lightly on earth', and their influence will resonate for many generations to come.
Sarah Danckert – 2026 Environmental Citizen of the Year
Sarah has made outstanding contributions to the local environment and is a passionate advocate for environmental protection.
Sarah established the local Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists chapter and has led a range of practical environmental initiatives as well as delivering school workshops.
Sarah has inspired many people to care for Wagga Wagga's natural environment, protect biodiversity and create lasting environmental impact across the wider community.
Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees. View the nominees on our Australia Day 2026 webpage.
