Individuals and groups from Deniliquin who have made a difference in their communities have been rewarded by NSW member for Murray Helen Dalton.
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Mrs Dalton presented her latest round of Community Recognition Statements certificates this week, in a ceremony held at Harry Pepper Cafe.
Certificates are presented to anyone Ms Dalton has singled out in Parliament throughout the year.
Each statement is permanently recorded in Hansard, the official parliamentary record, ensuring the contributions of individuals and groups are recognised for generations to come.
“It’s one of the pleasures of being a state representative, we have the capacity to recognise the wonderful things happening in our community” Ms Dalton said.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our communities, and people are just astounded when they hear what goes on.”
Murrumbidgee and Berrigan Shire Council region recipients also honoured at the Deniliquin ceremony were: Bullanginya Dreaming (Barooga), Jerilderie Red Cross branch, John Hogan (Finley), Krue’s Kruze fundraiser (Tocumwal).
Local recipients were as follows:
Intereach:
I would like to commend Intereach on being named 2025 Business of the Year at the Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards.
The organisation also received awards for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, and Employer of Choice (21 employees and over) — a reflection of its inclusive values, strong leadership, and the positive culture it fosters for staff and volunteers alike.
With deep roots in Deniliquin going back more than 50 years, Intereach now supports communities across regional NSW and Victoria, delivering vital services in areas like aged care, disability support, and family programs.
Their recognition for Diversity and Inclusion celebrates ongoing efforts to ensure culturally safe and welcoming spaces, while the Employer of Choice award highlights their commitment to supporting and valuing their people.
It was also a proud moment for Intereach chair Rob Brown, who was named Outstanding Business Leader for his dedication to community and steady leadership.
Congratulations to the entire Intereach team on this well-deserved recognition from the community where it all began.
Lotus Gallpen-Brown:
I would like to recognise the outstanding achievement of Deniliquin North Public School student, Lotus Gallpen-Brown.
At just 11 years old, Lotus won the State Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition for Years 5 and 6.
Lotus earned her place in the state final the hard way — progressing through local rounds in Howlong and regional rounds in Young, then competing against 10 other finalists from across NSW, many of them older students.
In her prepared speech on ‘Names matter’, Lotus explored the power of place names in telling our shared history.
For her impromptu topic, ‘It's a mystery’, she spoke thoughtfully about homelessness and couch-surfing — a tough subject, handled with maturity and compassion.
Lotus is new to public speaking, but is clearly a natural. She credits her sister Frida and teacher Megan Hunter for inspiring and supporting her.
I congratulate Lotus, her family, Mrs Hunter, and the Deni North School community. Our region is proud of this articulate young leader.
Laurie Arthur:
I recognise Laurie Arthur of Moulamein for his leadership and lifetime service to the rice industry in NSW.
Laurie recently retired from a 10-year stint as chairman of SunRice and has served on the board for 18 years.
As a rice grower, he steered our rice industry through challenges including water buybacks, market disruptions and drought.
Under his leadership, SunRice expanded its international sourcing to secure food supply and grower returns.
In 2019 Laurie led the successful listing of SunRice on the ASX, unlocking value for regional shareholders.
His innovation in rice breeding and technology has seen our medium grain rice achieve the highest yields in the world.
Laurie also served as a Ricegrowers' Association president and water commissioner, standing firm against the Basin Plan's water buybacks and advocating for regional communities.
I thank Laurie for his integrity, vision and tireless commitment to Australian agriculture. His legacy will be felt for generations.
I pay credit to his wife, Deb, and children Andy, John and Lauren.
DeniSPOT:
I would like to recognise Deniliquin business DeniSPOT for winning the NSW Business Award for Outstanding New Business.
Founded in 2022 by speech pathologist and special education teacher Lucy Horne, DeniSPOT (Deniliquin Speech and Occupational Therapy) delivers vital services for children in Deniliquin and surrounding areas, easing the burden on families who once faced long trips and long waits for care.
This state recognition reflects both the quality of support delivered and the pressing need for specialist services in our rural communities.
DeniSPOT shows what can be achieved when local people identify a gap and step up to meet it.
Congratulations to Lucy Horne and the DeniSPOT team on this outstanding achievement. I wish them every success as they continue to support children and families across our region.
Deni Rodeo Committee:
I would like to recognise the Deniliquin Rodeo Committee for their induction into the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) Hall of Fame.
After nearly 75 years of dedicated service to the sport, the committee's contribution was officially honoured at the APRA presentation dinner in Warwick, Queensland.
Life members Jock Gray and Alan Calderwood accepted the award on behalf of the committee, acknowledging the decades of local support and sponsorship that have sustained the event since its inception in 1951.
The Deniliquin Rodeo was first held by the North Deniliquin Rodeo Committee and has grown into a celebrated event on the national rodeo calendar.
This Hall of Fame recognition places Deniliquin alongside esteemed rodeo legends and cements its place in Australian rodeo history.
This is a proud moment not only for the committee but for the broader Deniliquin community, whose support and spirit have helped shape the rodeo's enduring legacy.
Congratulations to all past and present committee members on this remarkable milestone.
Deni Ute Muster:
I recognise the Deni Ute Muster, a proud Australian event born out of drought and determination.
In 1999, Deniliquin was facing severe hardship so a small group of locals, mostly women, banded together to create a rural-themed festival that would breathe life back into the town and celebrate its agricultural roots.
The concept was simple: a festival on the flattest plains on earth honouring ute culture, a simple symbol of the region.
From humble beginnings as the Deni Play on the Plains Festival, the Deni Ute Muster has evolved into a national treasure.
I am delighted that this year's muster made history by selling out before the gates opened, drawing more than 22,000 attendees and more than 1000 volunteers.
It smashed previous records, with 10,811 utes gathered and 4,961 proud participants donning the iconic blue singlet.
I congratulate general manager Vicky Lowry and the entire muster team on delivering a remarkable event.
Ian and Lois Lockart:
I would like to recognise Ian and Lois Lockhart for their dedication to preserving the legacy of Goodnight - a once-thriving settlement near the Murray River founded by Ian's grandfather, Joseph Lockhart.
Joseph helped transform native scrub into a 3000 acre property, championed irrigation schemes for returned soldiers, and helped establish the Goodnight School and Hall - both now marking 100 years.
To honour this legacy, Ian and Lois co-authored Goodbye, Old Goodnight - a deeply personal work blending family memoir and regional history.
Lois preserved family letters and photographs, including wartime correspondence from Joseph's son, a pilot lost in WWII.
Their efforts have culminated in a centenary celebration and near sell-out of the book, ensuring future generations understand the challenges and triumphs of early pioneers.
In preserving these stories and driving the centenary commemorations, Ian and Lois have shown an enduring commitment to rural heritage and historical truth.
Congratulations Ian and Lois on this remarkable achievement and contribution to the history of our region.