Awards celebrate our great citizens for Australia Day

26 January, 2025

Nine amazing community members and organisations have been recognised at the 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

The annual awards presentation was held yesterday and featured this year’s Australia Day Ambassador to Gunnedah, Patrick Warmoll.

Mr Warmoll is the Managing Director of Jack’s Creek, the local premium Wagyu and Black Angus beef producer that has been internationally recognised as the World’s Best Steak Producer four times over the past decade.

Chair of the Australia Day Working Group Cr Ann Luke said the awards paid tribute to those who had contributed a great deal to the Gunnedah Shire community.

“Congratulations to our Citizen of the Year for 2025, Leonie Harley, who has supported so many organisations for many years, including Gunnedah Meals on Wheels, the Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society, Gunnedah CWA, Namoi Group CWA, the Gunnedah Show Society, Gunnedah Show Ladies Auxiliary, Westpac Helicopter Support Group, the Northern Branch Australian Stock Horse Society, the ‘Pink Up’ Committee and Gunnedah Junior Rugby League,” Cr Luke said.

“Leonie has been a volunteer delivering meals for Gunnedah Meals on Wheels for more than 50 years.

“Her commitment to helping others makes her a role model in our Shire. “A big thank you to Leonie Harley and congratulations to not only those who received recognition at these awards, but all those who were nominated.”

The 2025 Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Award recipients are:

Citizen of the Year: Leonie Harley Ozzie & Beryl Campbell Volunteer of the Year: Rosemary Flett Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy: Moana Gurewitz [ Shoobert] Community Achievement Award: Linda Lee and Kate Knight Cultural Achievement Award: Multicultural Women’s Association Max and Mikie Maas Good Neighbour Award: Vince Tydd Junior Sportsperson: Jayla Suey Sports Team of the Year: Gunnedah Motorcycle Club Environmental Citizen of the Year: McLean Care Alkira

The Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Awards are presented by the Gunnedah Shire Council Australia Day Working Group assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

Caption: Gunnedah Shire Australia Day Award winners at the ceremony yesterday. Picture courtesy of Gunnedah Times.

ENDS

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