Kempsey will celebrate new citizens and outstanding volunteers at the Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, 26 January.
The event begins with a barbecue breakfast for a gold coin donation, accompanied by free coffee, at the Slim Dusty Centre from 9am. The official ceremony will follow at 10am.
We have a great number of nominees across the following categories.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognises an individual who gives their time willingly, without financial gain for the greater good of the community.
Our nominees are:
Dianne Carpenter for her work with Tender Funerals Mid North Coast, helping to change the culture around death and dying for the better in the Macleay Valley.
Geoff Clarke, President of the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct, for his work overseeing the transformation of the heritage district over the past five years.
Beatrice Gray for her dedication and commitment as a valued member of the Vincent Court Aged Care team and her support to both residents and staff.
Margaret Jopling, recipient of last year's Lifetime Achievement Award, for her continued support of the community, volunteering at the PCYC.
Jessica Kelly for her dedication as a volunteer with the Saints Soccer Club, ensuring all players are included and stepping into a variety of roles whenever needed.
Sonya Murphy, President of the Macleay Netball Association, fore her Club leadership, which has encouraged the diverse community of players to thrive in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
Fiona Stuart for volunteering and sharing her passion about sports and fitness with the community, with a special focus on helping young people achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Faye Vickers for her work as the Event Director for Kempsey Shire's only Parkrun, a weekly fitness and social event held at Horseshoe Bay.
Local Hero Award
A Local Hero is a person or group who made the community stronger, given back, or been a role model for others.
Our nominees are:
Ian Bradshaw for his contribution in both business and volunteer roles, including South West Rocks SES and educating the community about, and preserving local birdlife.
Lorne Cummins for her dedication as a PCYC Kempsey volunteer and her invaluable behind the scenes help.
Tara Howard for her quiet advocacy for Kempsey and local pride, and constantly striving to make our community a better place.
Leacia Martin for her disability support work and always going above and beyond to ensure those needing support get treated in a respectful and caring way.
Krystal Smith for her work improving youth financial literacy via her program for Mid North Coast high school students.
Debbie Swanson for her commitment to early childhood education, enriching cultural connection and access to Dunghutti language for the young people of the Macleay.
Willie Thompson for her work to reduce the risk of people re-offending in the Macleay Valley, working with people in the out of home sector to support and guide them, as well as running men's groups to help them through hard times.
Jan Wilkins for her decades of local service including Scouts and SES, where her focus on the health and wellbeing of volunteers and people impacted by natural disasters, has helped save lives.
Reconciliation Award
The Reconciliation Award is a new honour being awarded for the first time in 2025. It is to recognise a person or group who has made significant efforts towards reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our nominees are:
Real Futures for their work in assisting Aboriginal people to gain employment, as well as helping Aboriginal women re-enter the workforce.
Christa Smith for her contribution to women's and girl's groups, providing safety, support and inspiration, as well as meals, transport and activities for the participants.
Aunty Vicky Taylor, a proud Dunghutti woman, for her work as a preschool educator, sharing Dunghutti language, and creating an environment where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people can connect on a deeper level.
Community Group of the Year
This award is presented to an organised group of people who have given outstanding service to the community or inspired others.
Our nominees are:
Dunghutti Stroke Group for its work to raise awareness and educate the local First Nations community on stroke prevention and early response
Macleay Valley Pipes and Drums for its musical contribution in Kempsey and surrounding towns for over 20 years, including ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, local markets, and nursing homes.
Macleay Valley Support Services for their support for people with a disability, treating them with respect and kindness.
Rotary Club of West Kempsey for their tireless work to raise funds for local organisations and individuals, supporting education for young people, and collaborating on community projects.
South West Rocks Maritime Precinct volunteers for their care, operations and maintenance of the heritage listed building which are loved by visitors and locals.
The Old Rectory Op Shop team for their time and care to ensure those in need due to financial hardship, natural disaster, and record housing shortages have access clean, affordable clothing and essentials
Young Citizen
This award is presented to a person who is 30 years or younger and who has given outstanding service to the community or inspired others.
Our nominees are:
Zailen Campbell-Cook for his contribution to and leadership in the Melville High School community, both in the sporting arena and his all-round positive impact on other students.
Janae Darko for her volunteer work at PCYC Kempsey, helping with the gymnastics classes and providing mentoring and support to younger students.
Ruby Hoskins-Gould for her commitment to spreading cultural awareness, inspiring a positive, inclusive environment, and showing us all the power of a proud young Dunghutti woman.
Citizen of the Year
This award is presented to an individual who has given outstanding service to the community, or has been an inspiration to others.
Our nominees are:
Mick Adams for his lifelong contribution to the South West Rocks community in various capacities, as well as a teacher at Kempsey and Melville High Schools.
Aunty Mary Button, a Ngaku woman, for her dedicated support for Aboriginal people, including as an educator at South Kempsey Public School, tirelessly supporting students, and creating a cohesive atmosphere between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Evelyn Jacobs for her significant contributions to Kempsey sporting organisations, including the Kempsey Basketball Association and Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club.
Maree Tyne for her efforts as a tireless volunteer and fund raiser for numerous Willawarrin community groups including the Rural Fire Brigade, Community Hall Committee, Campdraft and the School P&C.
Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate some of the Macleay Valley's most giving members. We invite you to join us.
Mark your calendar for 26 January 2025 and join us at the Slim Dusty Centre for a morning filled with inspiration, gratitude, and community connection.
See you there!
