Wollondilly’s Australia Day Award winner…

Wollondilly’s Australia Day Award winners have been announced in a ceremony as part of the annual celebrations in the Picton Botanic Gardens.

This year’s Wollondilly Citizens of the Year are Annette and Rob Pearce, a husband and wife team who have contributed selflessly to their local community over many years.

Annette and Rob are long-term Wollondilly residents and active members of numerous organisations both locally and Australia wide, including: Picton View Club, Fellow of Australia Writers, (NSW and Wollondilly branches), Picton Horticultural and Industrial Society Inc, Nangarin Book Club, Nangarin Executive and Project Grow Volunteers.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “I would like to congratulate and thank all this year’s nominees and winners for all the amazing work they do in our communities across the Shire.”

“In particular I would like to congratulate Wollondilly’s Citizens of the Year, Annette and Rob Pearce for their amazing contribution to local community groups.”

“They are an amazing couple whose selfless efforts have enriched and encouraged others and helped to make Wollondilly an even better place.”

Other category winners for 2025 are:

·       Young Citizen of the Year – Ellen Stucki

·       Achiever of the Year – Mick Seccull

·       Sportsperson of the Year – Renee Fitzsimmons

·       Local Hero – Brian Page

·       Local Hero Community Group – The Blue Butterfly Institute

·       Environmental Citizens of the Year – Mel Johnstone and Mitch Peronis

·       Disability Inclusion Award – Jessica Cronje

·       Special Age Award – Willow Gumbley

·       Senior Citizen of the Year – Evelyn McDonald