Australia Day Award Winners 2026

Citizen of the Year - Mathew Guan (accepted by Jack Guan) Dunedoo

Matthew Guan was nominated for Citizen of the Year, and it’s easy to see why!

Over many years, Matthew has made an outstanding contribution to the Dunedoo community, always giving his time, energy, and heart to the people and clubs that make our town special.

A long-term footy player and passionate advocate for the game, Matthew has been deeply involved at every level - from the Junior League through to Regional Castlereagh footy. Whether it’s on the field, on the sidelines, or behind the scenes, he’s been a constant and tireless supporter.

Beyond footy, Matthew is the kind of community worker everyone hopes to have - reliable, generous, and always willing to step in when help is needed like his help at the St Michael’s School play. He does it quietly, without fuss, simply because he cares.

Quite simply, Matthew is an all-round good guy.

Every community needs a Guesy — and Dunedoo is lucky to have ours.

Congratulations, Matthew, on a very well-deserved Citizen of the Year Award!

Narelle McDonald has been awarded the Senior Citizen of the Year 2026 for her outstanding service and lifelong contribution to our Shire.

For decades, Narelle has quietly and consistently given her time, energy, and heart to others. Her dedication to community service truly reflects the compassion and generosity this award represents.

Narelle has supported rural families across New South Wales through her volunteer work with Rural Aid, coordinating hay drops, hampers, and gift cards during times of great need.

Narelle has also played a major role in bringing people together through community events, including the Back to Binnaway 150 Years celebration and many local Christmas and fundraising activities.

A committed volunteer, Narelle has given her time to the Binnaway Craft Shop, Vinnies in Coonabarabran, and Doing It for Rural Aussie Kids, helping to bring support and joy to families and children in rural communities.

Narelle has also served the Rural Fire Service for over 40 years, including more than 30 years as brigade secretary, and continues to support emergency operations through the RFS Support Brigade.

In addition, she is a passionate rail safety advocate, turning personal loss into meaningful action, and has contributed to environmental sustainability through her work with Eco Force.

Narelle McDonald’s decades of service, kindness, and resilience have made a lasting difference to our community and Shire beyond. She is a true inspiration and a very deserving recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year 2026 award.

Congratulations, Narelle!

Jack Richards is one of Coonabarabran’s most outstanding young tradespeople and a rising star in Australia’s automotive restoration industry.

Jack began his apprenticeship at Sydney Classic Car Restoration in Coonabarabran in 2023, and quickly established himself as a dedicated and talented craftsman. By his second year, he had already achieved remarkable success winning the gold medal at the Motor Trade Association of NSW WorldSkills Australia Competition - a true reflection of his exceptional workmanship, determination, and commitment to excellence.

Jack’s trainer, Mr Mooney, described his skills as “phenomenal for a second-year apprentice” and his workmanship as “second to none.”

In 2025, Jack’s talent shone through on the national stage when he won gold in Autobody Repair at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, competing against the very best apprentices from across the country. Over three intense days, Jack’s technical skill, precision, and time management were tested to the limit. Despite his modest expectations, he emerged as Australia’s best in his field. WorldSkills competitions are not easy as apprentices are tested on completing complex repairs under tight deadlines with limited tools. Jack excelled in tasks such as metal finishing, sectional panel repairs, and body filler work, demonstrating not only technical mastery but also remarkable calm under pressure.

In November 2025, Jack competed at the WorldSkills Asia Competition in Taipei, alongside over 500 participants from 40 nations.

This year Jack will represent Australia at the 2026 WorldSkills International Championships in Shanghai, the world’s largest vocational skills event. This is an incredible opportunity that will open doors for him in the global coachbuilding and automotive restoration industries.

Jack’s employer Mr Browan says “Jack’s work ethic sets him apart. He knows near enough isn’t good enough — it must be perfect.”

Motor Trade Association trainer Mr Jacob Hanley also praised Jack, saying: “What really stands out about Jack is his humility and attention to detail. Hearing that he completed one of the tasks in half the allotted time and still scored perfect marks was just amazing.”

Throughout 2025, Jack continued to expand his skills with advanced training, working with cutting-edge equipment at Car-O-Liner, the BKI Group in Melbourne, and the MTAQ Training Centre in Brisbane. He also joined fellow Australian competitors in Canberra for team-building sessions and had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon. Andrew Giles MP.

Jack credits much of his success to the strong support of his family and community, especially his parents Elisa and John Richards, and his grandparents. He also acknowledges his mentor, Mr Browan, for guiding him with patience and encouragement.

Jack recognises both the challenges and opportunities faced by young people from rural communities, and he hopes to inspire others to pursue trades with pride and passion.

Through his humility, determination, and pursuit of excellence, Jack Richards exemplifies the spirit of Australia’s young achievers — a true role model for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Congratulations, Jack!

Chantell Greaves has been awarded the Sportsperson of the Year 2026 for her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to sport.

Chantell has shown incredible talent, commitment, and perseverance throughout her career. Most recently, Chantell competed in the Australian Deaf Golf Championship 2025 in Joondalup, Perth, where she defended her title as Champion, winning back-to-back titles from 2023 and now 2025. Chantell also played an important role in leading the NSW women’s golf team to victory once again.

What makes Chantell’s achievements even more impressive is that she comes from a small country town, playing on sandy-green courses, and yet she competes and excels on labourite grass greens against players who train on them all the time. Her skill, determination, and adaptability are a true testament to her dedication and hard work.

Over the years, Chantell has built an extraordinary record in both national and international competitions, including:

• World Ladies Team Runner-Up – USA 2014 and Ireland 2018
• Australian Deaf Champion – 2015, 2023, and 2025
• Victoria Deaf Champion – 2015 and 2017
• NSW Deaf Nett Winner – 2018 and 2019
• State Team Ladies Champion – 2015, 2023, and 2025

Chantell’s achievements are not just about trophies and titles. They reflect her passion, perseverance, and the hard work she puts into her sport every day. She is an inspiration to young athletes, particularly those from small towns, showing that dedication and love for the game can take you to the very top.

Please join me in congratulating Chantell Greaves, WSC Sportsperson of the Year 2026.

Jackson Player has been awarded Young Sportsperson of the Year 2026 for his outstanding achievements and contributions to sport in the Warrumbungle Shire.

Jackson has been the Age Champion Athlete at Coonabarabran High School for the past two years and has proudly represented his school in basketball, cricket, Buckley Shield Rugby League, and North West Zone events.

Jackson has also taken part in Project Re-Connect within our community and even competed in the Pilliga Ultra for the first time, finishing an impressive 10th in his division.

In 2025, Jackson’s talent on the rugby field was recognised with multiple awards. He was named Best and Fairest Group 14 Rugby League player, Best and Fairest Under 14s, and Junior League Player of the Year for the Coonabarabran Unicorns.

Beyond his school and club commitments, Jackson attends the Far West Academy of Sport for Rugby League most weekends. He also plays with the Bathurst Junior Panthers representative side, travelling to Warren, Gilgandra, and Bathurst for training. He can often be seen at the local gym or out jogging early in the mornings, showing the dedication and discipline that set him apart.

Jackson is a diligent, humble, and a hardworking young person. His efforts throughout the year are a true testament to his dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship. With this commitment and drive, there is no doubt that Jackson will continue to grow and achieve even more in his sporting journey. He is a shining example of talent, dedication, and heart.

Congratulations, Jackson!

Gary Picard has been awarded the Environmental Citizen of the Year 2026 for his many contributions and achievements across the Warrumbungle Shire.

Gary first invested in Coolah around 2012, with the intention of using it as a base while he travelled for work. He brings with him over 30 years of experience in the cycling industry and is also a seasoned competitor.

In 2016, Gary served as a community representative on the Warrumbungle Bike Plan Committee, working alongside Council’s Road Safety Officer at the time. He also played an active role in several Coolah Bike Week activities.

More recently, Gary has combined his passion for cycling with environmental care. Using his rather impressive, oversized, electrified pedal car, he regularly rides along Coolah Creek Road and up to Pandora Pass, collecting rubbish, bottles, and cans that have been discarded along the way.

Gary takes great pride in keeping our streets and roads clean. Many locals will have seen him walking through town, pushing a bin on wheels, picking up litter, cans, and bottles, all to help protect our environment and prevent pollution from entering our waterways.

Congratulations Gary for winning the WSC Environmental Citizen of the Year 2026 Award, it is well deserved. 

Martin Rehwinkel accepts award on behalf of Sky River Park Run

The Sky River Path Parkrun has been awarded the Community Event of the Year 2026, in recognition of its outstanding achievements and contribution to our Shire.

Sky River Path Parkrun officially began on 1 March 2025, and with the exception of one week when the footbridge was closed, it has run every single week since. By mid-November 2025, 37 events had already been held. In that short time, parkrun has grown into something truly special — building a strong core of participants and volunteers from all corners of our community.

Each week, parkrun has helped promote not only health, wellbeing, and fitness, but also the township of Coonabarabran and the surrounding region. Since its inception, 550 participants have completed a total of 1,594 parkruns, covering an incredible 7,765 kilometres. The biggest event so far was over Easter, with 104 participants, and the average attendance sits at an impressive 43 people each week.

What’s been most inspiring is the personal progress we’ve seen. Participants who once could only manage a single lap are now completing all three laps. Walkers have become runners. In fact, 414 people have recorded consistent improvements in their fitness — a wonderful achievement.

Of course, none of this happens without volunteers. A total of 89 individuals have volunteered an amazing 361 times, filling roles such as event organising, public speaking, timekeeping, barcode scanning, marshalling, tail-walking, set-up, and pack-down. Over time, this group has grown into a genuine community — one built on friendship, care, belonging, and shared enjoyment.

Special mention should be made of Marty Rehwinkel, whose dedication and energy have been instrumental. From fundraising, to registering the event with the worldwide parkrun movement, to ensuring everything was in place to get the event truly “up and running,” Marty’s contribution has been exceptional.

Sky River Path Parkrun has also delivered significant benefits beyond the track. It has welcomed seven international visitors and more than 154 visitors to the region, many of whom came specifically because of parkrun — or chose to stop here because the Shire had one. These visitors have filled local cafés, stayed in local accommodation, dined at our pubs and clubs, and explored attractions. Participants and volunteers have shared local knowledge, offering visitors a warm, personal introduction to the region.

One particularly special moment came on 21 June 2025, when Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beasley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, joined the parkrun — braving a freezing -4 degree morning!

Sky River Path Parkrun has become far more than a weekly run or walk. It is a place of connection, health, pride, and community spirit.

Congratulations to Sky River Path Parkrun for being awarded Community Event of the Year 2026.

The Coolah Rugby League Football Club has been recognised with the Community Event of the Year Award for 2026, following their outstanding hosting of the 2025 Grand Final event.

It was a huge year on the field as well. The boys’ First Grade team made history by claiming back-to-back grand final wins, the first time this has ever been achieved by a Coolah side. The girls’ League Tag team also secured a grand final victory, becoming the first girls’/ladies’ League Tag team from Coolah to do so.

Adding to an already incredible season, the boys’ First Grade team took out the Clayton Cup, earning the title of the best and most successful team in NSW for 2025. This marks the first time a Coolah team has ever won the prestigious award.

The success didn’t stop there. The girls’ League Tag team went on to win the Jessica Skinner Cup after defeating Narromine, becoming the first team in the Castlereagh competition to claim the cup from Narromine, who had previously been the only holders.

An outstanding achievement on and off the field.

Congratulations to the Coolah Rugby League Football Club on winning the WSC Community Event of the Year Award 2026!

Three Rivers Landcare Dunedoo

Three Rivers Landcare Coolah

Three Rivers Landcare Mendooran 

 Three Rivers Landcare, serving the communities of Dunedoo, Coolah and Mendooran, has been awarded the 2026 Cultural Achievement Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to community collaboration, environmental stewardship, and the protection and celebration of our Shire’s natural and cultural heritage.

Over the past twelve months, Three Rivers Landcare has been incredibly active across our communities, organising and participating in a wide range of events that welcomed everyone — from school children right through to residents in their nineties. These activities spanned Dunedoo, Coolah and Mendooran, truly bringing people together across the region.

Throughout the year, Three Rivers embraced an impressive variety of initiatives, all strongly supported by the local community. From workshops and field days to markets, shows and environmental events, each month offered new opportunities to learn, connect and care for our land.

Highlights included farmer roadshows, herbal and livestock workshops, Clean Up Australia Day, carp musters, climate-smart and on-farm connectivity workshops, seed library projects, river walks, community gardens, composting, and drone courses — just to name a few. Regular markets, shows and hands-on activities ensured there was always something happening and something for everyone to be part of.

Through their energy, inclusiveness and commitment, Three Rivers Landcare has strengthened community connections and inspired people of all ages to care for our environment and one another.

Congratulations to Three Rivers Landcare - Dunedoo, Coolah and Mendooran for winning the WSC Australia Day 2026 Cultural Achievement of the Year Award.