Who Are Nominees For 2026 Australia Day Awards?

Kempsey will celebrate new citizens and outstanding community members at the Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January.

The event begins with a barbecue breakfast for a gold coin donation, accompanied by free poppers and water, at the Slim Dusty Centre from 9am. Coffee/tea is available to purchase from the Key Cafe. The official ceremony will follow at 10am.

We have a fantastic number of legends nominated across the following categories.

Volunteer of the Year Award

This award recognises an individual who gives their time willingly, without financial gain for the greater good of the community.

Our nominees are:

• Skye Barton for the key role she played during flood recovery efforts in 2025, ensuring access to essentials and vital services across the Macleay.
• Gail Burn for her devotion to fundraising for our community raising thousands of dollars for vital causes, including cancer support and health initiatives.
• Alex Donaldson for the courage and commitment he showed rescuing over 100 residents during the May 2025 floods as well as his contributions to broader community wellbeing.
• Mick Eller, President of Rotary, for his dedication as a Rotarian and coordination of Rotary and Lismore Diocesan Office during flood recovery.
• Greg and Regina Hawken, for their dedication to not only keeping Kempsey Little Athletics running but celebrating every child in the sport.
• Maxine MacKenzie, Chairperson and Coordinator of the Kempsey Kookaburra RSL Day Club, for her devotion as a member of the Kempsey Show Society committee and generous volunteering across the shire.
• Renee Smailes, Vice President of SWR SLSC, for her role as a community leader in surf lifesaving, sport and early childhood education.
• Ron Walters, for his service in the NSW Rural Fire Service for 31 years, contributing tirelessly as a driver, crew leader and active brigade member.

Reconciliation Award

The Reconciliation Award recognises a person or group who has made significant efforts towards reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our nominees are:

• Kevin Henshaw, for his advocacy through the Aboriginal Legal Service and contributions to education, community resilience and inclusion in our shire.
• Andrew Ryder, for his leadership as Executive Principal at Melville High School which has improved student retention, strengthened ties with Elders and established cultural initiatives, highlighting the importance of Aboriginal education in our community.
• South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), for their contribution to building strong, respectful relationships with the Dunghutti people and embedding Aboriginal culture into its programs.

Community Group of the Year

This award is presented to an organised group of people who have given outstanding service to the community or inspired others.

Our nominees are:

• Kempsey Kookaburra RSL Day Club, has been providing a vital service to the Kempsey Shire for over 45 years, offering seniors a welcoming space for social interaction and community connection.
• Macleay Pickleball Inc, for their commitment to inclusion and community spirit, driving health, sustainability and community revitalisation.
• Macleay Valley Mountain Bikers Inc, for their management of an amazing trail network, an asset that promotes health, wellbeing, and community engagement.
• Macleay Valley Mustangs, for their leadership and community spirit, particularly during recent floods when the whole club mobilised to provide reassurance and practical help across the Valley.
• NSW SES Kempsey Shire Units, a truly extraordinary small team of volunteers, for their service to our community responding to over 1,130 incidents, including two major floods and two severe storm events in 2025 alone.
• Riding for the Disabled, for their dedication to supporting people with disabilities to boost their confidence, promote independence and bring joy through the transformative power of animal-assisted programs.
• South West Rocks SLSC, for their delivery of programs promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and cultural engagement as well as ensuring the safety of thousands of locals and visitors alike.

Young Citizen of the Year

This award is presented to a person who is 30 years or younger and who has given outstanding service to the community or inspired others.

Our nominees are:

• Skarlyte Bennett, recipient of the Long Tan Youth Leadership Awards (2023, 2025), for her contribution through the Kempsey SES Unit, Air Force Cadets, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fundraising initiatives in our community.
• Ieyesha Campbell, a proud Aboriginal woman, for her resilience and advocacy for positive change and campaigning for better health outcomes and education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Karri Males, for her leadership and hard work in St Paul's College's agriculture program and promotion of inclusion and participation of younger students in our community.
• Emma Miller, for her contributions shown through Australian Air Force Cadets, namely securing the Squadrons 's "Freedom of Entry" and St Paul's College as well as her mentorship of peers offering guidance in training and mental health.
• Ellen Pinkstone, for her advocacy and determination, who's courage and determination have turned personal tragedy into hope for countless families.
• Sophie Smailes, recipient of Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Youth Volunteer of the Year Award for 2024/25, for her initiative and enthusiasm in her role at South West Rocks SLSC where she serves as the club's Youth Officer and an Age Manager for Nippers.
• Brendon Witchard, a proud Dunghutti man and recipient of Aboriginal Employment Service's Trainee of the Year, for his resilience and dedication to inspires others in his personal life and role at Dalaigar Preschool.

Citizen of the Year

This award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to the community or has been an inspiration to others.

Our nominees are:

• Benjamin Bailey, for his passion and continued commitment have strengthened local sport, health, and social connection.
• Barbara Coughran, for her dedication of more than 35 years to enriching the Macleay Valley community through education and volunteer service.
• David and Susan Croad, Life Members of Hat Head Surf Life Saving Club whose tireless contributions have made our community a safer more beautiful and joy-filled place.
• Alan Gill, for his commitment to enriching the Macleay Valley community through education, sport and environmental stewardship.
• Richard Griffiths, for his service through NSW Fire and Rescue which goes far beyond responding to fires and floods to protect our community.
• Colin Hudson, a Royal Australian Navy veteran, and life member of Kempsey/Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club, for his contribution to community safety, sport, remembrance and welfare.
• Jessica Kelly, for her dedication and leadership across professional, sporting and family life, she plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable individuals and families in our community.
• Linda Lewthwaite, for over 20 years dedication to education in our community, especially through the vital service of OOSH located at St Joesph's Primary School.
• Maureen Partridge, for her passion for enriching the lives of young people through dance education and creating a safe, inclusive environment where children of all ages and abilities can learn, grow and thrive.

Read nominees full bios: HERE(PDF, 3MB) .