This past long weekend at Australia Day events in Bombala, Cooma and Jindabyne, the Snowy Monaro NSW Local Citizen of the Year Awards celebrated our community heroes and champions for their contributions to the region in 2024.
Organised by community-run committees across the Snowy Monaro with assistance from Council, the annual Australia Day awards ceremonies recognise the volunteers, community groups, and outstanding individuals that make our region such a special place.
In regional communities like ours, volunteers and community groups do vital work providing services, support, and connection that would otherwise be missing without their selfless efforts.
On behalf of the Snowy Monaro, we extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to 2025's awardees.
To learn more about these awards and find out how to nominate, visit https://qrco.de/SMRCawards.
Awards by Region:
Bombala Region |
|
| Main Award Categories | |
| Citizen of the Year | Stephen Reed |
| Sportsperson of the Year | Patrice Clear |
| Special Achievement Awards | |
| Community Group | Currawarna Assisted Living |
| Other | Lakyn Tonks |
Cooma Region |
|
| Main Award Categories | |
| Citizen of the Year | Patrick (Paddy) Kerrigan |
| Environmental Award | Jackie Povey |
| Special Achievement Awards | |
| Community Engagement | Riley Kane |
| Community Involvement | Peter Brennan |
| Community Involvement | Jim Johnston |
| Community Event | MCCR – Hot City Disco |
| Community Event | Cooma Monaro Race Club |
| Community Involvement | Michelago General Store |
| Community Event | Adaminaby Easter Fair |
| Community Service Appreciation Award Presented by Mayor Chris Hanna |
|
| Chris Reeks | For coordinating Cooma's Australia Day events |
Jindabyne Region |
|
| Main Award Categories | |
| Citizen of the Year | Manuela Berchtold |
| Young Citizen of the Year | Hunter Clark |
| Special Achievement Awards | |
| Sport | Marty Firle |
| Community Event | Terry Chalk, Jindabyne Lions Easter Art Show and Sale |
| Education & Community | Melissa Phillips |
| Art & Culture | Todd Costa |
| Emergency Services | Malika Bailey, Snowy Monaro SES |
| Business | Jodie Evans, Crackenback Farm and Guesthouse |
| Community Berridale | William (Bill) Smits (presented in Cooma) |
| Community Service Appreciation Award Presented by Mayor Chris Hanna |
|
| Nira Windeatt | For organising Jindabyne's Australia Day events |
