A twilight event was held in Wellington's Cameron Park on Sunday 25 January 2026 to recognise Australia Day and encourage inclusivity among the community.
The event was emceed by Dubbo Regional Council Councillor Adam Ryan, with a Welcome to Country by Ray Peckham, and an address by Wellington's Australia Day Ambassador Michael Quach.
Mark Griggs was named as Wellington's 2026 Citizen of the Year, with Teresa Johnson being named Wellington's 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year.
The 2026 Young Sportsperson of the Year was Evie Whiteley.
Maranatha Gunya Fete was named as the 2026 Community Event of the Year.
Community Service Awards were given to Ruth Haynes, James Pratt, Emmalee Holmes, and Carl Mackander.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said it was great to see these outstanding citizens recognised.
"The Australia Day committee faced a challenging task this year in selecting the recipients of these awards.
"We are grateful for the efforts of both the nominees and those who took the time to nominate them. Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for your dedication to our community," Clr Black said.
CITATIONS – WELLINGTON AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Mark Griggs: Mark has been a part of the Wellington community for more than 35 years and has been involved in many committees, including the Wellington Business Enterprise Centre and Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC).
In 1994, on behalf of PCYC, Mark organised the Wellington Christmas Boot Bed Race in conjunction with the annual Apex Club's Venetian Carnival. He was a member of Wellington's Chamber of Commerce which later became Wellington Business Association.
Mark is one of the founding members and present Chairperson for Binjang Community Radio Inc. and has been very hands on in bringing the Breakfast Radio morning shift to listeners and presenting outside broadcasts supporting Wellington Rotary Club's monthly markets, the Vintage Fair, Wellington Show and Lions Geurie Markets to name a few.
He is also an active member and board member of Wellington Race Club and Board member of Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club.
He also contributed to the community by being an elected councillor for 23 years, serving one full term as Mayor.
SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR – Teresa Johnson: Teresa has been actively involved in many aspects of the Wellington community. She played a vital role in junior sport throughout her children's sporting years, taking on executive and management roles and supporting other young athletes and their families.
She has supported Senior Citizens for the last nine years and organised and led the weekly Senior Citizens exercise class, ensuring continuity, connection and wellbeing for older community members.
Her involvement in the Wellington show spans many years as well as her involvement in the Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society which spans over 20 years. She has worked tirelessly for all productions, from front of house to props to stage management.
Everything she does is without fanfare. She embodies the essence of a quiet achiever, someone who contributes tirelessly, without seeking recognition and whose efforts have strengthened the social, cultural and recreational fabric of Wellington.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR – Evie Whiteley: Evie gives her best for all sports that she plays. She has been nominated for captain of many of her teams. She plays hard but fair and is a great teammate to have.
Her highlight for the year was being able to represent NSW in touch football against all other states and territories in Ballarat last October.
She has achieved various levels and accolades in her chosen sports of Netball and Touch football, including best and fairest and coaches awards.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR – Maranatha Gunya Fete: Wellington Rotary Club, Maranatha Aged Care Facility and Marantha Gunya Childcare combined to put on a market day and fete. This day highlighted the connection Maranatha and Rotary have with the Wellington Community and it was a great day seeing aged care residents being able to participate in the markets and the children providing entertainment and sample bags.
This event was a combined effort of different organisations and gave real community benefit to all.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
Ruth Haynes: Ruth arrived in Wellington 16 years ago and started contributing to the community with her volunteering. She is involved in Wellington Arts and Crafts club, however her major contribution has been with Maranatha House. Here she makes a difference to the lives of the residents giving support with individual shopping for residents, craft activities, assists taking residents to the Wellington show, gardening and assisting with organising social and fundraising events.
James Pratt: James has provided support to the community over many years. More recently, he has formed a men's coffee club for retired businessmen so that they can meet once a week and keep connected.
Emmalee Holmes: Emmalee has shown exceptional dedication to the Wellington and Dubbo communities. She supports vital community organisations such as Riding for the Disabled, Pink Angels Inc, and Camp Quality.
Emmalee also contributed to the Wellington Community Progress and Action Group, several Council initiatives including public spaces, and she has played an important role in environmental and emergency efforts through the annual Clean up Australia Day event, NSW State Emergency Services, Mt Arthur Trust activities and Welling platypus surveys with Western Paddlers.
Most recently, she has been the founder and Event Director for the newly started Wellington parkrun event. She spent 10 years working toward getting this event up and running for Wellington and surrounds.
Carl Mackander: Carl has spent the last 10 years devoted to the community. He has been available to be called upon, above and beyond his role, has spent many hours of his own time visiting people at home, in the hospital and at Maranatha house. Over this time, he has gained much love and respect by the community.
