Community the winner at Australia Day Awards Ceremony

Community the winner at Australia Day Awards Ceremony

Published on 26 January 2025

COMMUNITY THE WINNER AT AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS CEREMONY

A community leader with more than four decades of service to the Deniliquin community, who passed away last year, was celebrated as Edward River Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards on Sunday. The late Bruce Simpson’s extraordinary life and profound legacy was honoured with the prestigious award, which was accepted by his wife Shandra.

Edward River Council Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley said Bruce’s community spirit and advocacy for the region made him a standout recipient.

“Bruce’s life and dedication to the Deniliquin community was tragically cut short last year, but his legacy lives on as a testament to his decency, courage, and tireless leadership. Bruce embodied the qualities of a true Citizen of the Year, showing us all the power of cheerfulness, respect and courage in building strong and vibrant communities.”

The Junior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Bonnie Everett for her achievements in basketball and netball on a local and national level, as well as leadership and mentoring of other young people.

“Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie’s kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award,” said Cr Crossley.

Edward River Council’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador was “newspaper man” and well-known local Garry Baker who has been at the forefront of news in our region for more than four decades. Garry gave the Australia Day address, speaking about his experiences of life in the region and what being Australian means to him. 

Popular local radio identity Angela Parker generously acted as a master of ceremonies for the Flag Raising in the Civic Precinct and the Awards Ceremony which followed in the magnificently restored Deniliquin Town Hall.

Sing Australia and the Edward River Concert Band performed the Australian National Anthem and entertained the capacity crowd with “I still call Australia home”.

EDWARD RIVER COUNCIL 2025 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINEES AND RECIPIENTS LIST

Citizen of the Year 

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a resident who has made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Edward River region and given outstanding service to the local community in the past 12 months or over a number of years.

Nominees:

Luke Harrington The late Bruce Simpson Pat Fogarty Kaye McCabe

Award recipient:

The late Bruce Simpson Award accepted by Bruce’s wife Shandra Simpson

Bruce’s life and dedication to the Deniliquin community was tragically cut short last year, but his legacy lives on as a testament to his decency, courage, and tireless leadership. Over four decades, Bruce contributed to the region in ways that spanned grassroots efforts to national initiatives, always driven by a desire to uplift his community. From his work with the Conargo Hall Committee and Riverina Field Days to his advocacy for waterway management through the Yanko and Tributaries Trust, Bruce’s commitment to the betterment of Deniliquin and its surrounding areas knew no bounds.

Bruce made substantial contributions to agriculture, helping farming businesses adapt to ongoing changes in irrigation systems and advocating for regional drought support. His time as director and twice-chair of Murray Irrigation Limited saw him lead the rollout of over $200 million in essential modernization projects. Beyond this, Bruce chaired the Murray Group of Concerned Citizens, passionately advocating for regional communities, and served on the panel for the Murray-Darling Basin Social and Economic Review, lending his voice to critical research and advocacy for basin communities.

In recent years, Bruce’s leadership extended to broader community development. As a director of Intereach, he strengthened governance structures to support over 40,000 people across Northern Victoria and Southern NSW. He also chaired the community committee championing the establishment of a Country University Centre for the region. 

Across all his roles, Bruce exemplified respect, care, and concern for others. He understood that trust, transparency, and collaboration were essential for effective governance and vibrant communities, and he never hesitated to stand up for those values.

Bruce was more than a remarkable community leader; he was also a devoted husband, father, and friend to many. His warmth, humility, and genuine interest in others left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Bruce embodied the qualities of a Citizen of the Year, showing us all the power of cheerfulness, respect, and courage in building stronger, more connected communities. 

Junior Citizen of the Year

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award recognises a young resident aged over 16 years and under 30 who is making a real difference within the Edward River region.  The award recognises that this person epitomises the future of our nation.  

Nominees:

Bonnie Everett Phoebe Jefferies

Award recipient:

Bonnie Everett.  Bonnie is an exceptional young leader whose dedication and service to her community and school make her a standout recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award. Over the past year, she has excelled in mentoring and guiding younger people through her roles as Deniliquin High School Vice Captain and multiple sporting captaincies. Her contributions to the Deniliquin Giants basketball program, including coaching at both representative and local levels and fostering inclusivity through the Hoops program, showcase her commitment to community development and sportsmanship.

Bonnie’s remarkable achievements include representing Deniliquin and DHS at numerous sporting events, from regional competitions to state carnivals in basketball and netball. Her efforts have been recognised with the prestigious Senator Perin Davey Award for Outstanding Contribution to DHS. Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie’s kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award.

Sports Award

The Sports award is awarded to a resident who has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement in sport or through their involvement as an administrator, official or coach, or who has made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or increased participation of their sport within the Edward River region.

Nominees:

Darren McLoughlin Matthew Thomas

Award recipient:

Matthew Thomas

 Matt’s remarkable golfing journey began in 2006 at just 14 years old when he qualified for the NSW Open, an extraordinary achievement for someone so young. Although he chose to remain an amateur, Matt has continued to excel, earning accolades such as fourth place in the 2021 NSW Country Championships and winning nine Deniliquin Golf Club Championships. He is also the reigning South West Riverina Champion of Champions. Most notably, Matt achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the Australian Left-Handers Golf Championship three years in a row, with victories in 2022, 2023, and 2024 at courses across three states. His outstanding accomplishments and dedication to his sport make him a truly deserving recipient of our Sports Award.

Junior Sports Award

 The Junior Sports Award is awarded to a resident aged 25 years or younger on 26 January 2025 who has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement in sport or through their involvement as an administrator, official or coach, or who has made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or increased participation of their sport within the Edward River region.

Nominees:

Award recipient:

Bonnie Everett 

Bonnie’s remarkable sporting achievements include representing Deniliquin and DHS at numerous sporting events, from regional competitions to state carnivals in basketball and netball. Her efforts have been recognised with the prestigious Senator Perin Davey Award for Outstanding Contribution to DHS. Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie’s kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award.

Arts & Culture Award 

The Arts & Culture Award is awarded to a resident or organisation who has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the Edward River region or an outstanding achievement in a cultural activity, including creating partnerships to benefit the arts and culture of the community and raising awareness of the value of the arts in our community.  

Nominees:

South West Music Regional Conservatorium Josephine Nathan  Edward River Art Society

Award recipient:

Josephine Nathan

Jo Nathan is a highly talented artist, author, designer, and mentor whose passion for art and community has had a profound impact, particularly through her role as Well-being Art Paraprofessional at Deniliquin High School over the past four years. Jo has nurtured students’ creativity, supported their mental well-being, and fostered a connection to Indigenous culture through art, creating works for events like Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Beyond her school role, Jo has mentored aspiring young fashion and textile designers and shared her skills internationally at the Serendipity Art Festival in India, where she taught local children using techniques inspired by Australian Indigenous culture. Jo’s efforts have provided a platform for artists of all ages to thrive and has enriched our community’s artistic landscape. She continues to share her creativity as an award-winning artist, showcasing her beautiful works locally. Her passion, dedication, and cultural respect make her an extraordinary individual and a deserving recipient of this award.

Junior Arts & Culture Award 

The Junior Arts & Culture Award recognises a resident aged 25 years or younger who has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the Edward River region or an outstanding achievement in a cultural activity, including creating partnerships to benefit the arts and culture of the community and raising awareness of the value of the arts in our community. 

Nominees:

Nathanael Hancock Isabel Pearn Piper Brown  Miles Allitt

Award recipient:

Piper Brown

Piper Brown is an inspiring young First Nations woman whose remarkable contributions to the END FM youth radio station in Deniliquin have made a lasting impact. Starting as a volunteer on the youth leadership team, Piper quickly stepped into the coordinator role, where she oversaw youth engagement programs, produced and hosted a weekly live radio show, and developed numerous podcasts. She has trained other youth volunteers, presented at regional forums and career days, and led END FM’s participation in the Moomba Festival in support of Edward River Council’s Visit Deni campaign. Piper also provides vital technical support and has been instrumental in developing operational policies for the station. At just 20 years old, Piper is a dedicated and highly capable leader whose efforts to engage young people in the creative industries have benefited the Edward River communities and beyond. Her achievements are truly deserving of this award.

Community Event or Initiative of the Year

The Community Event or Initiative of the Year is awarded to a group or organisation who, over the past 12 months, have made a noteworthy contribution to the Edward River region through conducting a successful project, event, activity, or initiative which has brought recognition and credit to the community through a cultural, economic, environmental, or sporting achievement within the Edward River region. 

Nominees:

Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group - Breaking Stigma Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) - Lifting Health Outcomes Program Deniliquin Outdoor Pools Inc. - Learn to Swim Program Deniliquin Business Chamber - Tradies Night Deniliquin Rams Football Netball Club - Good Friday Event

Award recipient:

Deni LHAC – accepted by Lourene Liebenberg 

 The Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee has demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving health literacy and outcomes in our local community through innovative projects and tireless advocacy. 

In 2024, LHAC launched the “Lifting Health Outcomes – Health is in Your Hands” initiative, featuring educational banners on chronic disease prevention, complemented by nine well-attended community talks, resulting in over 245 participants and nearly 950 QR code scans for further information. 

This impactful project earned recognition at the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network annual awards, winning “Promoting Healthy Living” and receiving a Highly Commended award in the Community Grant category. 

Additionally, LHAC introduced a groundbreaking 76-page Health Services Information Guide, distributed to over 2,000 residents, and maintained active community engagement through regular media updates, social media outreach, and participation in local events. 

Their efforts have strengthened confidence in local healthcare services, increased health literacy, and inspired ongoing community support, making LHAC a deserving recipient of this award.

Community Group of the Year 

 The Award for Community Group of the Year recognises a group or organisation, consisting predominantly of volunteers, that has shown significant contribution toward developing a more socially cohesive community through community engagement and partnerships.

Nominees:

Riding for the Disabled Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group 

Award Recipient:

Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group – accepted by Alison Thorne

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) has spent over two decades championing mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and connecting the community to vital resources and support. In 2024, their dedication was recognised statewide as they were named joint winners of the NSW Mental Health Commissioner’s Community Champions Award.

Through innovative campaigns like “Help Anywhere, Anytime,” “5 Ways to Wellbeing,” and “Share the Load,” Deni MHAG addresses the unique needs of our rural community, offering targeted resources for farmers, tradies, and blue-collar workers. 

Their impactful events, including the annual Halloween Street Party and the inaugural Suicide Prevention Walk, engage diverse audiences while normalising mental health conversations. 

With a growing website audience and a comprehensive service directory, Deni MHAG continues to lead the way in mental health advocacy, making a lasting difference in the lives of Deniliquin residents.

Environmental Citizen of the Year – Bill & Elwyn Hermiston Memorial Award

The Environmental Citizen of the Year – Bill & Elwyn Hermiston Memorial Award recognises a resident who has made a significant contribution to natural resource management, biodiversity, and environmental conservation within the Edward River Region. 

Award recipient:

Andrew Jefferies

Andrew Jefferies is a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication to Deniliquin shines through his contributions as a local business owner and environmental advocate. As the driving force behind the Edward River Kolety Fishing Challenge, Andrew not only fosters community connection but also champions environmental sustainability by ensuring the responsible release of tens of thousands of fish back into the Edward River. His commitment to preserving and improving the local ecosystem demonstrates true environmental stewardship, enriching both the natural beauty and community spirit of Deniliquin. Andrew’s passion and leadership make him a truly deserving recipient of the Environmental Citizen of the Year award.

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