The awards are presented at the Australia Day celebrations at the Coleambally Community Hall on 26 January.
2025 recipients
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - Monica Whelan
Monica has been a key figure in the Coleambally community for many years, contributing significantly to its growth and development. She played a pivotal role in establishing the local pre-school, served on the St Peters School Board and Parents and Friends Association, and coordinated the Coleambally Football Netball Club canteen.
Her dedication has only intensified in 2024, as she actively volunteers with three organisations, taking on executive positions in each. Monica has been a Board member of Cypress View Lodge since 2020 and became Chairperson in January 2024. In this role, she has committed extensive time to supporting residents, staff, and management, while overseeing strategic planning and maintaining close ties with the clinical operations team. She has also been instrumental in securing grants and finding solutions to ensure the lodge’s sustainability amid the challenges of Aged Care Reform.
Monica’s involvement with the Country Education Foundation, where she has been a member for several years, took on greater significance in 2024 when she assumed the role of treasurer. In this capacity, she manages scholarships that help Coleambally’s youth pursue further education and training.
Additionally, Monica has played a central role in establishing the Community Garden Project, securing multiple grants to support its operations, which focus on helping individuals with disabilities develop valuable skills. Monica’s tireless commitment continues to make a profound and lasting impact on the Coleambally community, shaping its future in meaningful ways.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT - Leslie Robinson
Les has been a dedicated and long-standing member of the Coleambally Bowling Club, playing a vital role in the club’s operations and community involvement. He is a pioneer of the Return and Earn Scheme for the Bowling Club, personally collecting over 250,000 cans and bottles from around the community, including local businesses such as The Muddy Duck, Coleambally Service Station, and the Coleambally Golf Club. Each week, Les travels extensively to ensure the scheme’s success, which has raised over $25,000 to support the club’s sustainability for future generations.
In addition to his work with the Return and Earn Scheme, Les has served as president of the Coleambally Bowling Club for several years, overseeing operations and dedicating countless hours to the maintenance and improvement of the bowling green and facilities at the Coleambally Community Club. His commitment was recognized in 2024 when he was awarded life membership at the club.
Les also volunteers with the Coleambally Men’s Shed, helping organise garbage collection, and as an engineer, he uses his skills to assist community members with repairs and maintenance needs. A humble and selfless contributor, Les is a true "quiet achiever," always willing to lend a hand without seeking recognition. His unwavering support and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the community.
JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - Regan Cullen
Regan recently completed her Higher School Certificate (HSC) at Coleambally Central School, achieving outstanding academic results while demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to both her school and the wider community. Her contributions reflect her strong sense of responsibility, dedication to making a positive impact, and passion for creating change.
In 2024, Regan’s achievements included serving as Coleambally Central School Captain, where she showcased remarkable leadership. She also acted as an ambassador for the Push-Up Challenge, raising funds and awareness for mental health, and participated in the Lions Youth of the Year. Regan contributed to the Coleambally Football Netball Club as a photographer, capturing images for social media each week. Additionally, she volunteered as the Christmas photographer at the school’s P&C fete, providing families with high-quality Santa photos. Regan further supported her community by coaching and mentoring junior tennis players, as well as umpiring netball for both the Coleambally Football Netball Club and Coleambally Central School.
Regan is a truly exemplary young citizen, embodying the values that make our local community thrive.
SUB-JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (12 years and under) - Haddie Groves
Haddie is a highly talented swimmer who has excelled in numerous events throughout 2024, demonstrating both her competitive spirit and skill. Some of her standout achievements this year include:
- St Peter’s Primary School Swimming Age Champion, breaking records in butterfly and freestyle.
- Wagga Diocesan Carnival: 1st place in freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and the PP5 relay.
- NSW Catholic Primary Schools Swimming Carnival: Finalist in butterfly and freestyle, and part of the winning PP5 relay.
- Sydney Speedo Sprints Finals: Achieving personal bests.
- Speedo Championships: 1st in backstroke and freestyle, and breaking the 8-year-old girls' 50m freestyle record.
- Country NSW Regional Swimming Championships: 4th in freestyle.
- Gold JX Junior PHOENIX Excellence Gold Level for NSW: A prestigious achievement earned by meeting Junior World Championship benchmarks, joining the ranks of many Australian Dolphins.
Haddie’s remarkable accomplishments reflect her dedication and exceptional swimming talent, setting her apart as a rising star in the sport.
JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON (13-16 years) - Jessie Pound
Jessie is a dedicated and passionate young athlete, deeply committed to her netball. She plays for the Coleambally Football Netball Club's Under 15s team and is also a key member of the Barellan Under 15s Representative team. Despite being in the juniors, Jessie attended most senior training sessions and games to refine her skills, and her dedication paid off when she made her A grade debut at just 14 years old. She plays both junior and senior games and also helps with the Net Set Go program.
In 2024, Jessie earned numerous accolades, including Best and Fairest for both the Under 15s at Coleambally and the South West Junior Netball competition. She was also selected for the Barellan Representative Under 15s team, who were runners-up in Division 2 at the state titles.
Beyond netball, Jessie excelled in athletics, cross country, and swimming, becoming Coleambally Central School’s age champion in all three sports and progressing to the Riverina level in both cross country and swimming.
Jessie’s remarkable achievements across multiple sports reflect her strong work ethic, leadership, and determination to succeed.
SENIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR (17 years and over) - Carolyne Rutledge
Carolyne has been an integral member of the Coleambally Golf Club for 25 years, contributing as a golfer, volunteer, and committee member. She has held various positions on the board and within the ladies' golf division, and was awarded life membership in recognition of her dedication. Carolyne has worked tirelessly to support the club, including overseeing the construction of the new clubhouse and assisting with ongoing maintenance.
In 2024, Carolyne’s sporting achievements were remarkable. She was a member of the Coly Pennant team, which won the Zone Pennant, and claimed several tournament victories, including Fourball net winner at the Coly Tournament, and Division Scratch and Net winner at the Ganmain Tournament. She was named the 2024 Coly Veterans Champion, equal A-grade net winner at the Coly Championships, and NSW Division 2 winner at the NSW Sandgreen Championships. Carolyne also won the NSW Medal, qualifying for the regional playoff, which she went on to win.
Her crowning achievement came when she won the 2024 Division 2 State Medal at Stonecutters Ridge, where she also scored the best net score across all players, earning her the prestigious 2024 Women’s Medal State Final title. Notably, she was the only player to break her handicap.
SPORTING TEAM OF THE YEAR – Darlington Point Coleambally First Grade Rugby League
DPCRLFC’s first grade team has established itself as a dominant force, winning the Group 20 First Grade Premiership in 2019, 2022, and 2023. In 2024, they continued their success, finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers. This achievement was secured in a thrilling match at Coleambally Sports Stadium on the 50-year reunion day, a game that will be remembered for years to come.
Despite being plagued by multiple injuries, the team delivered an impressive finals campaign, ultimately securing a spot in the grand final. On grand final day, they played a dominant and commanding game, clinching the 2024 Group 20 Premiership with the largest grand final winning margin in Group 20 history. Their remarkable performance further solidified their place as one of the league’s most successful and consistent teams.
CULTURAL AWARD OF THE YEAR - St Peter’s Primary School Musical Production
In September 2024, St Peters Primary School staged the musical production It’s a Jungle Out There, directed by Mrs. Jessica Pound. All 44 students participated, either on stage or behind the scenes, with each role providing opportunities for them to showcase their creativity, talents, and personalities. The students learned multiple songs and musical numbers, culminating in a performance for the local community. The production highlighted the valuable benefits of theatre, drama, and music for primary school children, while also bringing the community together to celebrate the performing arts.
EVENT OF THE YEAR - DPC 50 year reunion
In August 2024, DPCRLFC hosted a 50-year reunion at the Coleambally Community Club, organised by a dedicated group of volunteers over six months. The team meticulously gathered photos, stories, and tracked down former players and coaches from the club’s history since 1973. The weekend included a Friday night gathering at the Brolga for the weekly raffles, a Saturday home game in Coleambally where the first grade team clinched the minor premiership, and a Saturday night reunion celebration at the Community Club. Attendees travelled from as far as Far North Queensland to be part of the event. Merchandise, including a 35-page book featuring photos of premiership teams, coaches, and life members, was created to commemorate the occasion. It was a memorable event that will be cherished and discussed for years to come.
2024 recipients
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.
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.
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.
Tara represented Coleambally Central School at a state level in the u/13 girls 100m sprint at the Sydney Olympic stadium.
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.