The Macleay Valley community will recognise the importance of reconciliation through a new award at the 2025 Australia Citizenship and Awards Ceremony.
The newly created Reconciliation Award, to be introduced for the first time at the 2025 Australia Day Awards, has been introduced by the Kempsey Australia Day Committee to celebrate individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to fostering trust, respect, and meaningful relationships within our community.
The award will be presented at the same time as the existing awards for Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, with nominations open for all awards.
Kempsey Shire Mayor Kinne Ring, Chair of the Australia Day Committee and a strong advocate for reconciliation efforts in the Macleay, welcomes this award as a natural extension of our community's growing commitment to a shared future.
"We couldn't be introducing this award at a more important moment, with recent milestones, including the 100-year anniversary of the Kinchela Boys Home, the inspiring work of the Yuwa Nyinda Dreaming Academy, and the Saltwater Freshwater Exhibition, reflect the spirit of reconciliation that's thriving in our valley," said Cr Ring.
"Our community is full of people who are making profound contributions to reconciliation. This award is about acknowledging their efforts and inviting all of us to join in the journey. Now is the perfect time to show our gratitude and our commitment to unity in the Macleay."
The Australia Day Committee is also examining options to provide education for new citizens on the history of indigenous people in the shire.
The Committee is a Kempsey Shire Council sub-committee made up of three Councillors and five citizens from the community and is responsible for delivering the annual citizenship ceremony and awards presentation. The membership now includes the shire's first Dunghutti Councillor, Annette Lawrence.
Councillor Lawrence believes that introducing this award at a time when our community has been deeply touched by many significant events is a testament to acknowledge everyone coming together to heal, educate and work together for a better future.
"This award is a way of celebrating the people who make positive significant impacts in our community by closing the gap". Said Cr. Lawrence
"This award is not just a celebration of achievements but an invitation for everyone in the Macleay to be a part of change and inclusion".
It is also an important recognition to celebrate on a date that has a great deal of sorry business associations for many in our community and nationwide.
It's important we knowledge this and learn the history of this day and take time to reflect and understand the history.
Now is your chance to acknowledge and celebrate those who are making a real difference. Do you know someone in the Kempsey Macleay area who is working tirelessly for reconciliation?
Nominate your local heroes today and help us honour those who are creating lasting change in our community.
