Nominations are now open for the Australia Day Coleambally awards.
The categories are:
- Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year (21 years and under as at 31 December the preceding year)
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year (17 years and over as at 31 December the preceding year)
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year (13-16 years as at 31 December the preceding year)
- Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year (12 years and under 31 December the preceding year)
- Sporting Team of the Year Event of the Year Cultural Award of the Year
Nominations close at 5 pm Tuesday 7 January 2025.
The awards will be presented at the Australia Day celebrations to be held at the Coleambally Community Hall on Sunday 26 January 2025.
Citizen of the Year - Chris Gardiner
Chris is a dedicated member of the community who is a part of numerous community groups. Chris is president of the Darlington Point/Coleambally Apex Club, he is a dedicated member and president of Coleambally VRA Rescue Squad, and an active Coleambally Demo Farm Executive. Chris also acts as Marley Fire Brigade permit holder, equipment officer, first aid officer and Southern Valley Cotton Growers Association member. Chris is described as being thoughtfully committed and having made significant and noteworthy contributions to the Coleambally community and being an exemplary model as a community member and leader.
Lifetime achievement - Samantha Harris
Sam has been a dedicated member of the Coleambally Volunteer Rescue Squad for many years, recently receiving a distinguished 20-year long service medal, coupled with a National Medal presented by Helen Dalton MP. Samantha shows kindness and dedication to our local elderly residence, regularly visiting and assisting residents during temperature changes, offering support to ill, incapacitated, or grieving individuals. Samantha plays an integral role in charity fundraising for a number of local groups and charities. Samantha has been described as a silent achiever within our community and that she is most deserving of this award and recognition for all of her selfless efforts.
Young Citizen of the Year - Eloise Jay
Eliose’s achievements included captain of Coleambally Central School, representing Lions at the Youth of the year at a regional level, raising $3,300 for Starlight foundation by swimming laps and raising community issues with State politicians.
Event of the Year - Can do the Challenge
This 24 km walk raised $8,000 for Can Assist.
Sportsperson of the year - Michelle Brain
Michelle received her 3rd Black Belt 2023 after a gruelling 7-hour grading session and now has the title of Sensi (there are only 4 people in the Riverina with this title). She was invited to the world championships in Chile.
Sub-junior Sportsperson - Harvey Pound
Harvey was part of the u/13 AFL NSW School Team and competed at national level. He also competed at zone and regional levels for athletics and cross country, and plays AFL for CFNC. He has great leadership qualities.
Junior Sportsperson - Tara Bedard
Tara represented Coleambally Central School at a state level in the u/13 girls 100m sprint at the Sydney Olympic stadium.
Sporting Team of the year - St Peter’s swimming relay team
The team came third in the finals at the PSSA (Catholic state final). The team comprised of Logan Pound, Fergus Steers, Giselle Gill and Breanna Witham.
Citizen of the Year: Paul Muir
Paul has been a member of the Rural Fire Service since 1997. In 2022, he continued to serve in the position of Deputy Group Captain. He has made many contributions to the Coleambally Football Netball Club in the past year assisting with both football and netball junior teams through many roles, including umpiring netball and goal umpiring football, running water and providing support for coaches. Paul also provided his assistance to the Coleambally Darlington Point Junior Rugby League Club by setting up on game day, acting as ground manager or refereeing. Additionally, Paul is a member of the VRA rescue squad where he is currently Senior Deputy Captain and played an essential role in acquiring the VRA rescue tool replacement program. Paul is currently a member of the Bendigo Bank and Cypress View Lodge boards, as well as the Darlington Point Coleambally Apex with his role as secretary. In 2022, Paul played a large role in organising the Taste Coleambally Food and Farm Festival, particularly the 50 mile meal and smoked meats competition.
Young Citizen of the Year: Daniel Collier
In 2022, Daniel was a year 12 student and school captain of Coleambally Central School. During the year he participated in the Lions Youth of the Year competition where he won at local level progressing to compete at district level in Leeton proudly representing the school and Coleambally community. While working towards his black belt in karate, Daniel helped with instructing a junior karate class each week which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was also one of the Coleambally Central School students who participated in the roadside clean-up run by the Coleambally Lions Club.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Penny Sheppard
Penny is a longstanding active community member involved with numerous organisations and community groups. Over the years Penny’s community involvement has included:
Australia Day Committee where she was chairperson for over 10 years and is currently secretary * Chair, Coleambally Darlington Point Country Education Foundation (since 2012), as well as chairing interviews and liaising with the National CEF * Secretary, Coleambally 50th Birthday Committee
- Secretary, Taste Coleambally committee, previously being chairperson
- A member of the Town Life Committee
- Key organiser for the 50 years of education in Coleambally committee
- Active member of the Coleambally Central School P & C committee
Event of the Year: Taste Coleambally Food and Farm Festival
As part of the Taste Coleambally festival an art workshop and exhibition was held to promote and develop the skills of local artists. A workshop with Stephanie Corkhill Hyles was ran with assistance from a Country Arts Support Program grant. Western Riverina Arts provided the prize for the art competition which saw around 80 entries which were all exhibited and judged on.
Sporting team of the Year: St Peter’s PP5 Swimming Relay team, comprising Charlize Perkins, Abbey Muir, Logan Pound and Coco Rossato
Participated in the PP5 small schools relay where they placed 1st at the Diocesan carnival and 1st at MacKillop Trials before progressing to the NSW Primary School Sports Associations swimming championships in Sydney and placed 2nd in the final.
Sportsperson of the Year: Daniel Collier
Daniel had a busy sporting year in 2022 participating in both Aussie Rules and Karate as well as representing Coleambally Central School in athletics. He was awarded most improved player for the CFNC Reserve Grade side. In karate he placed 3rd in the NSW Kyokushin Championships and 1st place in Riverina Kyokushin Championships for 16-17 years non-contact. 1st place in full contact one match at Riverina Kyokushin inter club tournament, 1st place in Australian Kyokushin Karate Championships heavyweight male 16-17 years full contact. He also received the rank of shodan (1st dan black belt) after undertaking numerous hours of grading
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Pound
Hannah Pound is a keen and successful sportswoman across a range of sports. She was a member of the Coleambally Football Netball Club Under 15’s Netball side and was awarded best and fairest in the team. Hannah was also awarded league best and fairest for the South West Juniors Football Netball League Under 15s for the second consecutive year and received umpire of the year for the league. Hannah was equal third in the Farrer league B grade Best and Fairest after playing only eight games. Throughout the year Hannah participated in the Under 15’s AFLW Giants Academy and was selected in the Under16-19s AFLW Giants Academy squad. Hannah represented Coleambally central school at zone and Riverina levels for Athletics and Cross Country. She also received a Sporting Blue for representing the Riverina in under 15’s AFLW, the Junior secondary female athletics champion and Coleambally Central School’s Secondary Sportsperson of the Year.
Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year: Charlize Perkins
In 2022 Charlize was senior girls swimming champion for both St Peter’s primary school and the MIA Deanery and broke 6 records at the school carnival. She represented the school at the Diocesan, Catholic Primary Schools and PSSA carnivals swimming both in individual events and as a member of the PP5 relay team. Charlize was selected in the Southern Inland Swimming Association Blue squad development team. She participated in NSW All Schools AFL State Championships as a member of the Southern Inland Under 12’s team. Charlize also represented St Peter’s at deanery, diocesan, Catholic Primary School and PSSA Athletics carnivals and was awarded senior girls athletics champion at school. Charlize was a member of the CFNC under 13’s netball side and played in the MIA Deanery netball team.
Environmental Citizen of the Year: Coleambally Men’s Bowling Club
The members of the Bowling Club have developed an efficient system allowing for the disposal and collection of recyclable products used by the Community club or other community members. They also travel to the golf club and surrounding farms for collection. These products are taken to the Wagga Wagga recycling centre with funds benefiting the maintenance of the bowling green and surrounds.
Cultural Award: COLCOM Productions
In 2022, COLCOM held their first production in many years called ‘On Broadway - The Musical’.
The production involved four months of intensive organization and rehearsals to showcase local children and youth of all ages. A large audience was in attendance at the Coleambally Community Club all of which thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the hard work and commitments of the young cast members and organizers. Funds made from the event went the Coleambally Rescue Squad.
Citizen of the Year: Alison Hayes
Alison has been an active member of the Coleambally community for many years, contributing to numerous groups and organizations including the Coleambally Football Netball club, the Junior touch football committee, Coleambally Central School P&C, Coleambally 50th Birthday Committee, St Peter's P&F, and the Australia Day Committee, which she currently chairs. In 2021, Alison planned the successful running of the Frocktober Fundraising event for ovarian cancer which raised around $5,000 for ovarian cancer research and also raised awareness of ovarian cancer. She also continues to support the running of the CFNC canteen.
Young Citizen of the Year: Laura Mannes
In 2021, Laura was a year 12 student at Coleambally Central School. Throughout the year she demonstrated her leadership skills as school captain and was an excellent role model and advocate for the student body. Early in the year Laura was selected to complete the Outward Bound Navigator Course and also volunteered at the Portsea Charity Camp. Laura successfully competed in the Lions Youth of the Year competition reaching the district final, proudly representing her school and the local community. In 2021 Laura completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Through this she took time to knit beanies for premature babies which were donated to the Griffith Base Hospital. Laura is an active member of the Coleambally community, participating in numerous sports.
Event of the Year: Frocktober Cocktail Party
Over 90 guests frocked up for Coleambally’s first ever Frocktober event in October 2021 which aimed to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. The event was very well received by the community with around $5000 being raised for ovarian cancer research.
Cultural Award: CCS Primary Industries Class 2021
The Coleambally Central School Primary Industries class participated successfully in many competitions throughout the year, competing at both regional and state level. The QPL Rural Sheep Youth Expo saw three students have success in both the sheep handling and junior judging categories. The class also had success in the School Merino Challenge coming 2nd out of 62 schools in the wool value class.
Sporting Team of the Year: St Peter’s PP5 swimming relay team
Hayden Payne, Charlize Perkins, Izzy Star and Coco Rossato
Participated in the PP5 small schools relay where they placed 1st at the Diocesan carnival before progressing to the NSW Catholic Primary School Championships in Sydney where they again came 1st. They then competed in the NSW Primary School Sports Associations swimming championships and placed 3rd, where all swimmers swam a personal best time.
Sportsperson of the Year: Luke Hillier
In 2021 Luke was co-coach of the Coleambally Football Netball Club 1st grade football side and showed great leadership throughout the club. He was awarded the Bill Lyell memorial shield for the club’s best and fairest as well as placing 3rd in the best and fairest count for the Farrer League. Luke was also nominated as a member of the Farrer League Team of the Year.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Pound
Hannah Pound is a keen sportsperson across a range of sports. She was a member of the Coleambally Football Netball Club Under 15’s Netball side and was awarded best and fairest in the team. Hannah was also awarded league best and fairest for the South West Juniors Football Netball League Under 15’s. She also made it to Riverina level in Athletics and Cross Country and zone level in swimming. In addition to her achievements Hannah helps teach netball skills to the young kids of the club through the net set go program.
Sub-Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Alex Pound
Alex has had a successful sporting year, particularly in Aussie rules where he was an integral member of the Coleambally Football Netball Club Under 13’s side, taking out Best and Fairest. He also represented Coleambally Central School in the Riverina team at the NSW Primary School Sports Association State Carnival, where he was awarded players player and also selected as a member of the NSW team (which unfortunately could not play due to COVID). Alex’s other sporting achievements include attending zone level in cross country, athletics and swimming and Riverina level in cross country.
Environmental Citizen of the Year: Coleambally Men’s Shed
For many years, Coleambally Men’s Shed has participated in the DrumMuster program where they collect empty chemical containers and used batteries for recycling. In 2021, 16 tonnes of batteries and over 2000 drums have been collected.
Citizen of the Year: Elaine Clarke
* Event of the Year: Coleambally CanAssist Fashion Parade
* Cultural Award: Coleambally-Argoon CWA
* Sporting Team of the Year: Coleambally Cricket Club 2nd grade nomads
* Sportsperson of the Year: Michael Hodgson
* Sub-Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Lucy Bolton
* Environmental Award: Lions’ Club of Coleambally
* Lifetime Achievement Award: John Stuckings
* Lifetime Achievement Award: John Smith
* Citizen of the Year: Monika Burgess
* Young Citizen of the Year: Danielle Mannes
* Sportsperson of the Year: Phoebe White
* Junior Sportsperson: Laura Mannes
* Sub-junior Sportsperson: Dallas Hickey
* Sporting Team of the Year: Coleambally Bowling Club Men’s Pennant Team
* Cultural Award: Lucy Bolton
* Event of the Year: Toby Price Challenge
* Citizen of the Year - Mrs Catherine DeMamiel
* Young Citizen of the Year - Mr Thomas Breed
* Lifetime Achievement - Mrs Lynne Stuckings
* Environmental Citizen of the Year - Coleambally Community Club
* Sportsperson of the Year - Mr Thomas Fattore
* Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Miss Phoebe White
* Sub-Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Miss Alana Jones
* Sporting Team of the Year - Coleambally Central School 4x50m freestyle Central Schools’ Relay Team
* Cultural Award - Country Education Foundation of Coleambally-Darlington Point
* Event of the Year - Coleambally 50th Birthday
* Citizen of the Year: Dianne Anderson
* Young Citizen of the Year: Tom Breed
* Lifetime Achievement: Kevan Boyle
* Event of the Year: Beck’s Future Fund Goods & Services Auction
* Cultural Award: Phoebe White
* Sportsperson of the Year: Joshua Fattore
* Junior Sportsperson of the Year (equal): Thomas Fattore and Jack Cullen
* Sub-Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Charlotte Young
* Sporting Team of the Year (joint): Coleambally Ladies’ Golf Four Ball Team and Coleambally U13s Milliken Shield Cricket