Australia Day Awards 2026
Published on 26 January 2026
Upper Hunter Shire Council is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements.
Photos of all award winners to be added on Tuesday 27 January.
Upper Hunter Shire
Citizen of the year
Gail Allen
Gail Allen has been honoured as the 2026 Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year for her tireless volunteer work and unwavering commitment to supporting local families and community organisations.
Gail has made an exceptional contribution to the Scone and District Cancer Support Group, where she is a dedicated advocate for people navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Her compassion, empathy and quiet determination have provided comfort and practical support to countless families across the district. She has long held the role of Treasurer and is deeply involved in fundraising initiatives, including Soup and Damper Days and major morning tea events that are vital to the group’s ongoing work.
Her community spirit extends well beyond one organisation. Gail is a consistent supporter of Scone Legacy and Scone Men’s Probus, often contributing home cooking or lending a hand whenever functions or events are held. She has also devoted significant time to St Luke’s Church, where her organisational skills shine. The annual church fair is a major event on the calendar, and Gail manages the kitchen and catering with ease, coordinating volunteers and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Known for her collaborative approach, Gail brings people together and leads with generosity, practicality and care. Her voluntary service has had a profound impact on the lives of many, strengthening the sense of community connection throughout Scone and the surrounding district.
The Upper Hunter community can be immensely proud of Gail Allen’s contribution. Her commitment to others reflects the values that underpin community life across the Shire, and her recognition as Citizen of the Year is richly deserved.
Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25)
Hallie Croucher
Hallie has been named the 2026 Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of her leadership, initiative and dedication to supporting others, both at school and across the wider community.
As School Captain at Scone Grammar School in 2025, Hallie played a key role in establishing a new girls’ program designed to support student wellbeing. The program focused on addressing feminine hygiene challenges while also creating a mentoring structure that paired senior students with younger girls, helping to build confidence, understanding and connection within the school community. Her leadership in this space has made a meaningful and lasting difference for students.
Beyond school, Hallie has been an active and influential contributor to community initiatives. She played a critical role in the organisation of Community Wellbeing Week and was a valued member of the Where There’s a Will team. Hallie personally approached local businesses for support, followed up to encourage staff involvement and worked to promote the program through local radio, where she spoke with confidence and genuine passion.
Hallie has also been a long-term contributor to Miss Amy’s School of Dance, assisting weekly with Year 1 and Year 4 classes and supporting Tiny Tots during performances. Dance teacher Amy Wells has described Hallie as essential to the program, noting her calm guidance, care for younger students and natural leadership, often likening her to a mother duck shepherding students between school and dance commitments.
Her community involvement extends into local sport, where she regularly umpires netball, ran the Net Set Go competition in 2023, assists with the WTAW football round and volunteers in the canteen at football games.
Hallie is widely recognised as an exceptional role model for her peers and younger students alike. Known for her positivity, organisation and compassion, she approaches challenges with determination and a team-focused mindset. Her contribution reflects the very best of youth leadership in the Upper Hunter.
Aberdeen
Citizen of the Year
Christine Constable
Young Citizen of the Year
Grace Partridge
Local Champion of the Year
Veronica Chisholm
Merriwa & Cassilis
Citizen of the Year
Anne-Maree Nairne
Young Citizen of the Year
Katana Magnus
Local Champion of the Year
Merriwa Country Education Foundation
Sustainability in Business
St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa
Murrurundi
Citizen of the Year
Del Ross
Local Champion of the Year
Mavericks Rugby League Club Murrurundi
Outstanding Contribution to the Community
Thai Pham
Scone
Hunter McLoughlin Citizen of the Year
Gail Allen
Young Citizen of the Year
Hallie Croucher
Local Champion of the Year
Scone Grammar School Primary Rugby Team
School Achievement Awards
Sophie Anderson, Merriwa Central School
Lauren Stevenson, St Joseph's High School
Lachlan Hails, Scone Grammar School
Hannah Gillett, Scone High School
Creative Arts Excellence Awards
Toby Singleton, St Joseph's High School
Isabella Zizza, Scone High School