26-01-2025
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and the community celebrated the nominees and winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Deputy Mayor Rob Cameron and Australia Day Ambassador Bella Bain presented the official awards at events held in both Crookwell and Gunning.
Deputy Mayor Rob Cameron, who attended both events, expressed how important it was that the community had come together to celebrate and recognise those who continually contribute to the Upper Lachlan Shire community. Australia Day Ambassador Bella Bain spoke at both events on “The Power of your community”, a theme that deeply resonated throughout the Shire.
This year’s 2025 award recipients for Upper Lachlan Shire were awarded to the below recipients:
UPPER LACHLAN EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Shire – Grow Your Future Careers Expo at Crookwell High: This successful expo gave students insights into local and regional career paths. Emphasising the slogan “You can’t be what you can’t see,” the event engaged students in science, mathematics, and engineering opportunities. Community sessions also involved parents, principals, and staff from other areas, demonstrating how a community can support students’ future aspirations.
Crookwell – Laggan Pub Quickshear and Pig Races: This year’s event, organised by Laggan Pub and the Crookwell Community Trust, successfully combined two popular activities, raising over $20,000 for the Trust. The funds will assist residents facing financial hardship. More than 2,500 attendees enjoyed a family-friendly atmosphere, with numerous volunteers from the Laggan Progress Association, Crookwell Rugby, and Green Devils Clubs contributing to its success.
Gunning – Gunning Seniors Residents Christmas Party: Organised by the Gunning Senior Residents Committee, this popular event provided over 100 elderly residents with a hot lunch, desserts, prizes, and entertainment. Local students and other volunteers helped ensure an enjoyable experience for those who may not often get out, allowing them to have a wonderful day.
UPPER LACHLAN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Shire Citizen of the Year – Floyd Davies
A long-time resident, Floyd is a dedicated community member involved in numerous initiatives. He has volunteered extensively, supported local events, and played a key role in establishing the Upper Lachlan Gazette. His advocacy includes discussions around community safety and fundraising for projects, such as the original Coleman Park playground in the 1990s.
Gunning Citizen of the Year – Joanna Basnett
Known as JoJo, Joanna has served as a fitness guru for the community. She promotes health and well-being by running sessions that help those living in rural areas rejuvenate amidst their daily routines. Her energetic personality has led her to co-found the Gunning Christmas Markets, participate in the Gunning Health Ladies Lunch, and continue to volunteer and support organisations such as the Gunning District Association, Gunning District Tennis Association, and the Gunning Public School P&C. Jo is a valued and community-minded member of the Gunning community.
Crookwell Citizen of the Year – Paul Hewitt
Paul Hewitt, previously nominated in 2024, has been re-nominated for his commitment to the Upper Lachlan Landcare Grazing Group. As a local grazier for several years, his advocacy with Landcare has helped grow the committee and has enabled local graziers to transform potentially unsustainable grazing enterprises into productive operations. He continues to provide valuable support to the community and fellow graziers.
Taralga Citizen of the Year – Jan Green
Jan Green has been an active member of the Taralga community and is involved in various regional groups. As the founder of a book club, an art group, and a ukulele group, she has brought community members together to enjoy different activities. Jan has also contributed to the Taralga Art Shows over the years, passionately promoting the region’s talents, and played an instrumental role in installing metal street sculptures along Orchard Street as part of a Southern Tablelands Arts initiative. Her willingness to help and say yes is always appreciated.
Mayoral Discretion Award – Trevor Howard
Affectionately known as “Jacko,” Trevor is a well-known resident of Crookwell. He actively engages with the community through his cheerful disposition and often tidies up litter on the main street. His small acts have a significant positive impact, showcasing his love for the Shire and dedication to its wellbeing.
UPPER LACHLAN YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Crookwell Young Citizen of the Year – Miles Pitt-Lancaster
Miles Pitt-Lancaster inspires the next generation of leaders and encourages students to consider joining the Australian Army Cadets. He has demonstrated strong leadership qualities at school and in the broader community. Miles is a kind, considerate, and active member of Crookwell High School.
Shire Young Citizen of the Year – Florence Dark
Florence Dark embraces leadership opportunities to enhance school life. Her roles include school captain, long-term Student Representative Council member, peer support leader, and sporting captain. Through her kindness and inclusivity, she serves as a role model for her peers and younger students. Florence has consistently achieved academic success, evidenced by her being awarded Dux every year in high school and receiving other major academic accolades. She contributes to community life through paid employment, volunteer work, and involvement in various organisations, including local businesses and sporting clubs.
UPPER LACHLAN SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sportsperson of the Year – Jamie Boothman
Jamie Boothman has been nominated for Sportsperson of the Year for representing New South Wales in a shearing competition in Western Australia. He has also competed in Crookwell and Laggan in sports-shear competitions, striving to excel in his chosen sport. Jamie has achieved significant success and has taken on the role of mentoring younger shearers in the region.
UPPER LACHLAN JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Crookwell Young Sportsperson of the Year – Harry Skelly
Harry exhibits positive leadership in many domains of life. Sporting, academic, work and community he mentors younger students and leads by example in all aspects of life. Not only has he been successful in his chose sport of Hockey as 2024 School captain he has been an enthusiastic captain, sporting umpire and successful player within many Hockey and swimming awards to his name.
Shire Young Sportsperson of the Year – Jaydan Costello
Jaydan Costello, one of the youngest nominees, is an outstanding golf performer. Over three years, he has improved his handicap from 54 to 5.4 while competing in local and State competitions. His kindness allows him to play well with competitors of all ages, demonstrating dedication and a love for the sport. Jaydan has also raised funds for the Cancer Council by participating in the Longest Day 72-hole golf challenge, individually raising $3,000. He has actively represented NSW golf teams, winning numerous awards, including the Archdiocese Canberra and Goulburn Sports Person of the Year in the junior boys’ category.
Congratulations to all nominees, winners and those involved.
