Outstanding Community Service Awards 2026

 • Special Recognition Service to the Community - Greg Cleary
Greg was a nurse in Wilcannia and is now at White Cliffs. During one particular incident, a fatal plane crash that Greg attended, his compassion shone through. He is still working with the community with in-home programs. He is also a member of White Cliffs SES and RFS.

• Service to the Community - Jenny Hayes
Jenny is a long-term highly regarded citizen of the shire and a grazier/pilot/artist to mention a few of her attributes. She provided everyone with an amazing mural locally and donates an artwork annually for auction prize at the gymkhana/rodeo. She volunteers at this event also as well as at the local school which she has done for many years.

• Young Citizen of the Year –Billy Hutchison
Billy is very thoughtful and kind. He will offer to assist carrying items for people when they are collecting goods from the corner store, pub or anywhere around town. He picks up rubbish lying around town on his walks, filling his pockets and taking it home to dispose of. He is always asking to help people.

• Service to the Community the Community - Wendy Aves
Wendy has been at the heart of Ivanhoe for over two decades, running the town’s only service station where locals and travellers alike could find food, fuel, and essential supplies. She has also offered comfortable accommodation too. Wendy has worked tirelessly coming to work seven days a week to make sure people had access to vital resources. Wendy retired on the 15th of January. She has been the heart of building tourist relationships with many a visitor coming back and looking forward to a friendly face and friendly chat. She has been the pillar of the community who has kept its heartbeat strong for all these years. Wendy is recognised for all she has done to keep the Ivanhoe community thriving, without her dedication Ivanhoe would have struggled to access vital resources.

• Volunteer of the Year - Fay Johnstone
Fay is extremely dedicated to assisting everyone in the Ivanhoe community and is an important member of the small community. Her community work includes helping indigenous students, involvement with the Aboriginal Working Party improving the lifestyle for Aboriginal people in Ivanhoe and teaching culture and traditional lessons. She supports all functions in Ivanhoe as an Aboriginal elder. A highly respected Aboriginal elder who participates in all community areas assisting the Ivanhoe community whenever required.

• Citizen of the Year - Peter Kennedy snr
Now aged in his 70s, as a young man Peter worked on the railway and surrounding properties as a head station hand, contributing to the growth and development of the Ivanhoe region. For many years he has continued to serve the community, providing wood to local families, businesses, and the town, ensuring people’s needs were met. As a proud Ngiyampaa man, he continues to demonstrate his deep connection to culture and Country. He supports the Ngiyampaa people by sharing his knowledge, giving his time, and contributing to meetings and practical help whenever it is needed. Whether it is cutting and delivering wood for Elders, assisting with community gatherings, or quietly offering a helping hand to those doing it tough, he is always there without seeking recognition. He has a lifelong commitment to hard work, generosity of spirit, and devotion to both his family and his community.

• Outstanding Event 2025 - World no tobacco day REDI.E
This is an annual event globally, but it was the first one for Menindee. It aimed to bring the community together to educate people about how industries make their products attractive, particularly to future generations, by using strategies such as appealing flavours and attractive packaging and deceptive marketing practices aimed at increasing usage. The aim of the event was to:
• Reduce uptake of smoking or vaping • Reduce second hand smoking or vaping.
• Pledge to make local homes and cars smoke and vape free and to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use
• To advocate for better tobacco control measures.

The Menindee CWA is celebrating 75 years in 2026 and was also recognised with a certificate for this significant achievement.

• Special Recognition Council Staff - Jarid Cattermole
Jarid has been working for the Council for the past 25 years. Jarid shines through with his knowledge and understanding of the Wilcannia water filtration plant by keeping our water clean and drinkable as well as his other duties that include septic works and maintenance of the beautification of our town. Jarid is a local Paakantji man and has played a big part in looking after Country as well as his working duties. Jarid is very involved in playing in the local sport competitions - golf, fishing and football.

• Special recognition Service to the Community – Leah Dougherty
Leah loves helping others in the community of Wilcannia. She is a wonderful person who puts everyone before herself and helps in any way, shape or form at community events. She helps those in need including at funerals, children’s events, community events and market days. Or just handing out food or homegrown produce to community.