26-01-2026
Upper Lachlan Shire Council is proud to announce the recipients of the Australia Day Awards 2026, recognising individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
The awards were presented on Monday, 26 January 2026, as part of the Shire’s Australia Day celebrations in both Gunning and Crookwell, bringing together residents and surrounds to reflect on the values of community service and civic pride.
The Australia Day Awards honour excellence across a range of categories, including community service, volunteering, sport, events and local achievements. Recipients were nominated by members of the community and selected by the Australia Day committee for their dedication, impact and commitment to making Upper Lachlan Shire a better place to live.
Mayor Paul Culhane said
“These awards recognise the people who quietly and consistently give their time, skills and energy for the benefit of others, our Shire is lucky to have them. Their contributions strengthen our communities and reflect the spirit of Australia Day.”
Council’s Crookwell event also included presiding over a citizenship ceremony for three new conferees marking a memorable day for all.
Council congratulates all award recipients and nominees and thanks them for their ongoing service to the Upper Lachlan Shire community.
A full list of Australia Day Award recipients are listed below
EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Shire Event of the Year Award – Quick Shear – Shearers Showdown 2025
Crookwell Event of the Year Award – Laggan and District Progress Association – 1st Annual Laggan Charity Ball
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Shire Citizen of the Year – Melinda Medway
Crookwell Citizen of the Year – Louise Gibbs
Taralga Citizen of the Year – Robert Handley
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Shire Young Citizen of the Year – Peter Cosgrove
Crookwell Young Citizen of the Year – Sophie Ward
Gunning Young Citizen of the Year – Lachlan Herne
Taralga Young Citizen of the Year – Naomi Cordova
Mayoral discretional Award – Jack Frost
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ryan Seaman
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Shire Young Sportsperson of the Year – Henry Arnall
Crookwell Young Sportsperson of the Year – Annie Knight
Gunning Young Sportsperson of the Year – Madeline Cosgrove
Taralga Young Sportsperson of the Year – Hannah Calleja
For a full list of nominees and winners biographies they can be viewed here