A community leader with more than four decades of service to the Deniliquin community, who passed away last year, was celebrated as Edward River Council's 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards on Sunday. The late Bruce Simpson's extraordinary life and profound legacy was honoured with the prestigious award, which was accepted by his wife Shandra.
Edward River Council Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley said Bruce's community spirit and advocacy for the region made him a standout recipient.
"Bruce's life and dedication to the Deniliquin community was tragically cut short last year, but his legacy lives on as a testament to his decency, courage, and tireless leadership. Bruce embodied the qualities of a true Citizen of the Year, showing us all the power of cheerfulness, respect and courage in building strong and vibrant communities."
The Junior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Bonnie Everett for her achievements in basketball and netball on a local and national level, as well as leadership and mentoring of other young people.
"Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie's kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award," said Cr Crossley.
Edward River Council's 2025 Australia Day Ambassador was "newspaper man" and well-known local Garry Baker who has been at the forefront of news in our region for more than four decades. Garry gave the Australia Day address, speaking about his experiences of life in the region and what being Australian means to him.
Popular local radio identity Angela Parker generously acted as a master of ceremonies for the Flag Raising in the Civic Precinct and the Awards Ceremony which followed in the magnificently restored Deniliquin Town Hall.
Sing Australia and the Edward River Concert Band performed the Australian National Anthem and entertained the capacity crowd with "I still call Australia home".
EDWARD RIVER COUNCIL 2025 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINEES AND RECIPIENTS LIST
Citizen of the Year
The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a resident who has made a noteworthy contribution to the betterment of the Edward River region and given outstanding service to the local community in the past 12 months or over a number of years.
Nominees:
- Luke Harrington
- The late Bruce Simpson
- Pat Fogarty
- Kaye McCabe
Award recipient:
The late Bruce Simpson
Award accepted by Bruce's wife Shandra Simpson
Bruce's life and dedication to the Deniliquin community was tragically cut short last year, but his legacy lives on as a testament to his decency, courage, and tireless leadership. Over four decades, Bruce contributed to the region in ways that spanned grassroots efforts to national initiatives, always driven by a desire to uplift his community. From his work with the Conargo Hall Committee and Riverina Field Days to his advocacy for waterway management through the Yanko and Tributaries Trust, Bruce's commitment to the betterment of Deniliquin and its surrounding areas knew no bounds.
Bruce made substantial contributions to agriculture, helping farming businesses adapt to ongoing changes in irrigation systems and advocating for regional drought support. His time as director and twice-chair of Murray Irrigation Limited saw him lead the rollout of over $200 million in essential modernization projects. Beyond this, Bruce chaired the Murray Group of Concerned Citizens, passionately advocating for regional communities, and served on the panel for the Murray-Darling Basin Social and Economic Review, lending his voice to critical research and advocacy for basin communities.
In recent years, Bruce's leadership extended to broader community development. As a director of Intereach, he strengthened governance structures to support over 40,000 people across Northern Victoria and Southern NSW. He also chaired the community committee championing the establishment of a Country University Centre for the region.
Across all his roles, Bruce exemplified respect, care, and concern for others. He understood that trust, transparency, and collaboration were essential for effective governance and vibrant communities, and he never hesitated to stand up for those values.
Bruce was more than a remarkable community leader; he was also a devoted husband, father, and friend to many. His warmth, humility, and genuine interest in others left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Bruce embodied the qualities of a Citizen of the Year, showing us all the power of cheerfulness, respect, and courage in building stronger, more connected communities.
Junior Citizen of the Year
The Junior Citizen of the Year Award recognises a young resident aged over 16 years and under 30 who is making a real difference within the Edward River region. The award recognises that this person epitomises the future of our nation.
Nominees:
- Bonnie Everett
- Phoebe Jefferies
Award recipient:
Bonnie Everett.
Bonnie is an exceptional young leader whose dedication and service to her community and school make her a standout recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year Award. Over the past year, she has excelled in mentoring and guiding younger people through her roles as Deniliquin High School Vice Captain and multiple sporting captaincies. Her contributions to the Deniliquin Giants basketball program, including coaching at both representative and local levels and fostering inclusivity through the Hoops program, showcase her commitment to community development and sportsmanship.
Bonnie's remarkable achievements include representing Deniliquin and DHS at numerous sporting events, from regional competitions to state carnivals in basketball and netball. Her efforts have been recognised with the prestigious Senator Perin Davey Award for Outstanding Contribution to DHS. Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie's kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award.
Sports Award
The Sports award is awarded to a resident who has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement in sport or through their involvement as an administrator, official or coach, or who has made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or increased participation of their sport within the Edward River region.
Nominees:
- Darren McLoughlin
- Matthew Thomas
Award recipient:
Matthew Thomas
Matt's remarkable golfing journey began in 2006 at just 14 years old when he qualified for the NSW Open, an extraordinary achievement for someone so young. Although he chose to remain an amateur, Matt has continued to excel, earning accolades such as fourth place in the 2021 NSW Country Championships and winning nine Deniliquin Golf Club Championships. He is also the reigning South West Riverina Champion of Champions. Most notably, Matt achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning the Australian Left-Handers Golf Championship three years in a row, with victories in 2022, 2023, and 2024 at courses across three states. His outstanding accomplishments and dedication to his sport make him a truly deserving recipient of our Sports Award.
Junior Sports Award
The Junior Sports Award is awarded to a resident aged 25 years or younger on 26 January 2025 who has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement in sport or through their involvement as an administrator, official or coach, or who has made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or increased participation of their sport within the Edward River region.
Nominees:
- Oliver Hall
- Bonnie Everett
Award recipient:
Bonnie Everett
Bonnie's remarkable sporting achievements include representing Deniliquin and DHS at numerous sporting events, from regional competitions to state carnivals in basketball and netball. Her efforts have been recognised with the prestigious Senator Perin Davey Award for Outstanding Contribution to DHS. Beyond her sporting successes, Bonnie's kind and selfless nature has inspired others to engage in sports and community events, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Her humility, leadership, and outstanding contributions make her truly deserving of this award.
Arts & Culture Award
The Arts & Culture Award is awarded to a resident or organisation who has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the Edward River region or an outstanding achievement in a cultural activity, including creating partnerships to benefit the arts and culture of the community and raising awareness of the value of the arts in our community.
Nominees:
- South West Music Regional Conservatorium
- Josephine Nathan
- Edward River Art Society
Award recipient:
Josephine Nathan
Jo Nathan is a highly talented artist, author, designer, and mentor whose passion for art and community has had a profound impact, particularly through her role as Well-being Art Paraprofessional at Deniliquin High School over the past four years. Jo has nurtured students' creativity, supported their mental well-being, and fostered a connection to Indigenous culture through art, creating works for events like Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Beyond her school role, Jo has mentored aspiring young fashion and textile designers and shared her skills internationally at the Serendipity Art Festival in India, where she taught local children using techniques inspired by Australian Indigenous culture. Jo's efforts have provided a platform for artists of all ages to thrive and has enriched our community's artistic landscape. She continues to share her creativity as an award-winning artist, showcasing her beautiful works locally. Her passion, dedication, and cultural respect make her an extraordinary individual and a deserving recipient of this award.
Junior Arts & Culture Award
The Junior Arts & Culture Award recognises a resident aged 25 years or younger who has made a noteworthy contribution to the cultural life of the Edward River region or an outstanding achievement in a cultural activity, including creating partnerships to benefit the arts and culture of the community and raising awareness of the value of the arts in our community.
Nominees:
- Nathanael Hancock
- Isabel Pearn
- Piper Brown
- Miles Allitt
Award recipient:
Piper Brown
