2026 Australia Day Award Nominees

Published on 19 January 2026

As we gear up to celebrate Australia Day across the Upper Hunter Shire, it's time to recognise the exceptional individuals and groups nominated for this year's Australia Day awards.

Join us in Scone, and Merriwa on 26 January for a day filled with ceremonies, BBQs, and *free pool parties, where we'll honour our nominees and revel in the community spirit. This day not only celebrates our national pride but also the local heroes who make the Upper Hunter Shire such a special place.

(*Limited free spots due to capacity limits of the pool)

Nominees:

Scone, Aberdeen and Murrurundi Districts

Philip McGuirk
Philip (Phil) has a big heart and enormous desire to serve his community. He passionately believes in motivating and energising people to engage in community activities and events. Following a rewarding career in education, Phil has been involved in the Horse Festival committee, Belltrees Art Competition, Scone Golf Club, Scone Film Society and many other community activities.

Gail Allen
Gail volunteers her time tirelessly in the Scone community. She has been an active member of the Scone and District Cancer Support Group since 2011. Gail is always available to offer support, showing empathy, compassion, caring and the utmost discretion. She is also very involved in St Luke’s Church fundraising events, Scone Legacy projects and assisting Scone Men’s Probus.

Bruce Johnstone
Bruce is involved in the Red Cross Association, lawn bowls and numerous other sporting groups and clubs in the Scone community. His passion, dedication and generosity shows through in all that he does. Recognition of achievements for Bruce include Patron Hunter Valley Bowling Association, Bowls NSW distinguished service award, Life membership of Scone Bowling Club, Upper Hunter District Bowling Associations and Zone 6 Bowling Association, Australian Red Cross 10 year service award and attendance at the 110 year anniversary of Red Cross gala reception at Government House by the Governor General Margaret Beazley.

Brenda Ogilvie
Brenda is a massive part of the Gundy community. Not only does she mow all the parks and reserves at Gundy, she also mows the local church grounds all as a volunteer. She was a driving force behind the Farmers night which began during the drought, to support the local community during the incredibly difficult times that the drought put us all through. Brenda has always been a compassionate and caring person and genuinely thinks about others before herself. She is an inspiration to all women young and old.

John Pratley
John was an integral part of the establishment of the Scone Men’s Shed. He organized all necessary building requirements, and negotiated all that was necessary to get the shed building organised and obtained the land to put it. He also obtained donations in money and people donating machines. He had all knowledge to organize people to repair furniture or make new pieces from start. John’s capabilities and energy and always there to help people and full of energy. He knows how to organize people and get along with everybody.

Rachell Cox
Rachel contributes her time to support a range of local community organisations, sending out information, encouraging community participation and making sure everything runs smoothly. She is an active member of the Scone Public School P&C and serves as treasurer of the Scone Tennis Club. You will see her volunteering her time at Bunnan Camp Draft, Scone High School P&C, King of the Ranges and Bunnan fire Brigade. No job is too big or small, and she always brings smiles and a giggle wherever she goes.

Steven Tilse
Steve has been a Trust member at Gundy for 25 years and always goes above and beyond for anybody around our little town or outside the town. He loves making our campers at the camp ground feel welcome and will spend ages talking to them and letting then know what is going on in our area. He volunteers his time around Gundy Hall and is always there to do whatever needs doing for every event. He instigated the walking track to the dam which he keeps mowed and sprayed if it needs it. Steve always thinks about other people before himself.

Anne Marsh
Anne helped establish the Scone Community Garden, working hard at their ‘working bees’ every month. She attends the Scone Tidy Towns meetings, to further support the Scone Community Garden. Anne volunteers her time for the Scone Tidy Towns Garden Rambles and the Scone CWA. She works tirelessly to complete magnificent quilts, which she delivers to the women and children who have escaped domestic violence in Muswellbrook. Anne gives them something very special that they can keep forever. She is a legend!!

Archie Sellers-Bentley
Archie has been a member of Aberdeen Athletics for five seasons. He started competing at the Little Athletics NSW Hunter Championships in 2023 and has qualified for both the region and state championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Archie specialises in throws – shot put, javelin and discus. Archie has also competed at the Diocesan athletics championships at Glendale with fantastic results, gaining selection for the Catholic combined colleges athletic championships in Sydney in September where Archie came 2nd in shot put, 3rd in javelin and 4th in discus. Archie is a great young ambassador for our region.

Hallie Croucher
Hallie did an amazing job as school captain in 2025, organising the commencement of a girls ed program to build happiness in the playground and friendship groups. In the community she was part of the Where there’s a Will team, taking on a critical role in Community wellbeing week. Hallie has also been a long-term contributor to Miss Amy’s school of dance. According to Amy Wells – dance wouldn’t work without Hallie. She is an amazing role model for the girls in our school and the community.

Yorke McInerney
Yorke McInerney is an inspirational young man whose resilience, compassion, and determination have deeply touched the lives of those around him. Nearly two years ago, Yorke suffered a stroke that led to a heart procedure. Through sheer strength, courage, and perseverance, he has worked tirelessly to recover and rebuild both his health and confidence. He has become a passionate advocate for stroke awareness, bravely sharing his story to educate and inspire. Despite his health challenges, Yorke completed his schooling and demonstrated exceptional leadership and character as both Sports Captain and Prefect. Yorke is well known for his positive attitude, willingness to help others, and the way he leads by example.

Elsie Kennedy
Elsie Kennedy demonstrated remarkable compassion, leadership and community spirit well beyond her years when she made an extraordinary contribution to the Kids Cancer Foundation by raising over $11,000 and donating her hair to support children undergoing cancer treatment. Beyond her fundraising efforts, Elsie continues to contribute to her community through her involvement with her local dance school.

Scone Grammar School Primary Rugby Team
The Scone Grammar School Primary Rugby team had an extremely successful year, remaining undefeated in all games and tournaments they competed in. Multiple students were selected for representative honours. While they are a very competitive team, they have also remained humble and show great sportsmanship towards their opposition and to one another.

Wendy Seckold
Wendy works tirelessly in maintaining the gardens at Murrurundi railway station and the Visitor Information Centre. For the past few years Wendy has been the driving force for the Murrurundi Spring Flower Show and attends the local schools inviting students to participate in special sections allocated for the children in the Show.

Fran Watchel
Fran is a Murrurundi based sculptor, painter, and visionary artist who has spent over four decades contributing to the vibrant arts culture in Murrurundi. Her sculptures have become landmarks in the Upper Hunter, including the Murrurundi Northern Gateway’s farmers on a fence, the Murrurundi Southern Gateway’s leaping sheep and loyal cattle dog, co-created with Charlotte Drake Brockman.

Del Ross
Del has been a member of the Murrurundi Light Horse Troop for 30 years. She has organised the Beersheba Day memorial services in Murrurundi and been a founding member of the King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge and the Murrurundi Garden Club. More recently, Del has been actively involved in the organisation and running of the Landcare Tidy Towns Flower Show.

Thai Pham
Thai moved from Sydney to Murrurundi after purchasing the local pharmacy. He quickly became an invaluable asset to the community. His care for the community of Murrurundi is evident in his work ethic and his participation in a long list of community events and activities. Through his actions, Thai has brought the community together.

Mavericks Rugby League Club Murrurundi
After several years not fielding a team, the Murrurundi Mavericks regrouped in 2025 with a highly successful season. The Mavericks won Minor Premiers and played a valiant Grand Final against Singleton.
The Mavericks energised the town and the community enthusiastically supported the Mavericks and shared the on field highs and lows.

Christine Constable
Chris is a very dedicated and extremely versatile woman, volunteering for around 20 years as well as competing in her sports at an extremely high standard. Some of her volunteer work includes; Aberdeen Golf Club, Aberdeen Women’s Bowling Club, Aberdeen Tennis Club, St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen and Aberdeen Public School.

Grace Partridge
At 14 years of age, Grace has been a member of the Aberdeen Athletics since the age of 3 years. She started competing at the Hunter Zone Championships in 2018 and, every season since 2019, she has qualified to compete at the Little Athletics NSW Region Championships. As well as athletics, Grace competes in representative netball during the winter months. She also enjoys dance and competing in dance competitions.

Veronica Chisholm
Veronica Chisholm has been a devoted, faithful and active parishioner at St Thomas’ Aberdeen for over 50 years. She has performed all manner of roles and she involves herself in many aspects of parish life, contributing to the community. Veronica has also worked at St Josephs High School Aberdeen for over 40 years in the canteen, firstly as a volunteer and then in a paid role as canteen supervisor.

Merriwa & Cassilis Districts

Kellie Porter
Kellie is a highly dedicated member of the Merriwa community. She has worked at the school for over 20 years. She volunteers tirelessly for the Camp draft committee in both Merriwa and Cassilis and she assists in the canteen for the Merriwa Magpies Rugby League football club. Kellie is a committee member for the Merriwa Spring Time show and assists at the Festival of the Fleeces.

Anne-Maree Nairne
Anne-Maree has spent many years dedicating her time to various community groups including the Combined Churches, the Cassilis bowling club, the Cassilis Country Music Festival, Cassilis Rodeo and Cassilis Public School P&C. Anne-Maree’s biggest contribution has been as a student learning support officer at the Cassilis Public School.

Hylton Cronin
Hylton can be seen early every morning collecting rubbish, bottles and cans, sorting the rubbish and donating the bottles and cans to the Men’s Shed. He is always ready to lend a hand to all happenings in Merriwa, including assisting the bakery by putting out the chairs and tables or at the Festival of the Fleeces.

Noah Magnus
Noah Magnus is a dedicated husband and father who plays an active role in the Upper Hunter Shire community of Merriwa. Together with his family, he runs a free martial arts program for both children and adults, helping participants develop self-defence skills, coordination, resilience, and strength.

Cheryl & John Dallimore
Cheryl & John have been involved in setting up and running major events such as the Festival of the Fleeces and the Merriwa Show for several years. They built a range of toys and games and ran the children’s games at the festival. No matter what need to be done Cheryl & John are always ready to help.

Stephen Gowlland
Stephen has been a competent president of Merriwa Progress Association for a number of years in which Stephen has willingly put in many extra hours of his own time. Focus issues for Stephen include slowing down the traffic in the main St of Merriwa, extra public seating, improvements to town roads and organising a bus for local community members to attend Council meetings in Scone.

Nyssa Caban
Nyssa has been an active participant of many groups and committees in the Merriwa community. She has served as a member of Merriwa preschool P&C , Merriwa Central School P&C, Merriwa river rural fire service and the Merriwa volunteer rescue association. She was secretary of Merriwa springtime show for 3 years and is a member of Merriwa magpies junior league as a first aid officer.

Neil Hunt
Neil is an active volunteer in the Merriwa community. He is always available to provide assistance when needed. He is currently involved in the Men’s Shed; he can pick up people when required and assist with general building and maintenance work. He has made many valuable contributions to the local community.

Katana Magnus
Katana’s commitment to representing Merriwa Central School as School Captain is an example of her strong character. She has participated in leadership training and community programs and dedicates her time to both academics and extra-curricular activities. Her active participation in the Merriwa Pony Club has allowed her to represent Merriwa Central School in equestrian sports, where she has demonstrated skill and sportsmanship with impressive achievements.

Lara Ballantyne
Lara has demonstrated exemplary leadership as School Captain at Merriwa Central School. Her dedication to her studies and extra-curricular activities is evident in her consistently high-quality work and outstanding achievements. She competed in the Australian Science Olympiad and participated in prestigious events such as the University of Technology Sydney’s Sydney Science program and the Ultimate Classroom television initiative.

Caitlin Porter
Caitlin attended St Josephs Aberdeen and now studies a Bachelor of Accounting, being invited to participate in the University of Canberra Honors program early as a recognition of the high academic standard she has achieved to date. Caitlin is also a Merriwa Country Education grant recipient for 2025. She is undertaking an accounting cadetship while completing her studies.

Annabelle Hunt
Annabelle demonstrates exceptional leadership, teamwork, and pride in representing both her school and her community. Her involvement extends well beyond the classroom — from volunteering in local sport to representing her school at cattle shows and regional sporting events.

Archie Constable
Archie is an enterprising young man who has a passion for photography. He has built on this passion to run his own small business (and occasionally volunteering) as a photographer of sporting events, weddings and vehicles. Archie’s passion for this has resulted in his work being featured in trucking magazines, and the local show, winning numerous awards.

Merriwa Central School P&C
The Merriwa Central School P&C is a volunteer organisation who works closely with our school community to provide opportunities to our school and support our students. The P&C have provided numerous financial supports to our students including supporting the Great Aussie Bush Camp excursions, Literacy awards and our Positive Behaviour initiatives.

Jessyca Robins
Jessyca has been an active committee member of Merriwa Rugby League Football Club for over ten years and has held several roles and positions within the club. This year she has received Merriwa Rugby League Club Person of The year, Player of the Year and Best forward for her roles in Women’s tackle.

St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa
St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa proudly partnered with the Upper Hunter Shire Council to participate in the Sustainable Schools Odyssey Program. The purpose was to educate students, staff, and the wider community about the importance of caring for “Mother Earth and all her creatures” for future generations. The primary aim was to learn and promote the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

CAN Assist
CAN Assist Merriwa have helped over 50 people in the Merriwa region who are impacted by cancer. They help with finances during this tough time.

Gummun Place Advisory Committee
This Committee was formed on behalf of the community, to support the present and future residents of Gummun Place. The committee are actively looking at strategies to maintain hostel operations in the future.

Merriwa Country Education Foundation
Merriwa Country Education Foundation (CEF) was established to raise funds to provide much needed financial assistance and support to local youth to help them achieve their post high school education, training and vocation aspirations.

Justin & Leanne Hunt t/a Welderup
Welderup is a proudly family-owned and operated fabrication business run by Justin and Leanne Hunt in Merriwa and has become a trusted and respected name in the local community — known for quality workmanship, reliability, and genuine country values by supporting a wide range of industries including farming, mining, and local trades.

Liz Griffiths
Liz owns and runs six paddocks, with a focus on biodiversity, food security, food sovereignty and sustainability. Her focus is based on the belief that everyone has the right to good food, nutritious and flavoursome and free from chemicals. Along with locally grown and packaged in the hunter products, she has also a willingness to teach and encourage other locals to grow and share with the community.

Erika Murphy
Erika has been successful in creating an environment for the Cassilis and district community which is a friendly and popular meeting place to experience first class coffee, cakes and pies. It’s a positive atmosphere and the regular clientele are extremely loyal. Erika works tirelessly to give us a fabulous venue which offers a great sense of community.