John Glowrey, representing Rovers, with Mayor Ashley Hall.
Edward River Council’s Australia Day Awards nominees were showered with praise on two separate occasions in 2026.
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Late last week, ahead of the Australia Day ceremony on Monday, all nominees were invited to a special soiree at the Deniliquin Town Hall.
Acting as a ‘meet and greet’, it was a chance for the nominees to get to know each other, the council staff and councillors who were able to attend.
Some of last year’s Australia Day Awards winners were also there to mingle and talk them through the progress.
To help streamline the Australia Day ceremony proper on Monday, all nominees were presented with their nominee certificates on the night by Mayor Ashley Hall and CEO Jack Bond.
“Being nominated for an Australia Day Award is a meaningful achievement,” Cr Hall said.
“It reflects not only your contribution to our community, but also the fact that someone has taken the time to recognise your commitment, effort and the positive difference you make across our region.
“I know our panel was genuinely impressed as they read through the nominations, and they were particularly glad to see so many young people nominating and also a big increase in nominations overall.”
Nominees for awards were as follows:
Citizen of the Year - Pat Fogarty, Robin McIlwain, Leesa Muir, Martin Wilmshurst, John Creenaune, Neil Bull, Mari Drennan (recipient), Brenda Norman, Kate Smith.
Young Citizen of the Year - Brad Gain, Jade Selwood, Chelsea Weir (recipient).
Community Event or Initiative of the Year - Deniliquin Truck Show, Deniliquin Ute Muster (recipient).
Community Group of the Year - Deniliquin Blue Heelers Rugby League Football Club, Deniliquin Can Assist (recipient), Deniliquin Film Society, Deniliquin Rovers Football and Netball Club, Mini Vinnies, Deniliquin Playgroup, Deniliquin Riding for the Disabled.
Junior Sports Award - Hamish Baker, Connor Wilson (recipient), Chase Bartlett, Hazel Glowrey, Isla Ho, Levi Jakeman.
Arts & Culture Award - Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd, Edward River Art Society (recipient), Megan Hunter.
Junior Arts & Culture Award - Amelia ‘Jay’ Bennett, Zara Lindeman (recipient).
Sports Award - Meagan Lowry (recipient), Leanne Mulham, Diego Sztejman.
Environmental Citizen of the Year - Judy Bond, Anthony Jones, Deniliquin High School, Michael Pisasale (recipient).
Citizen of the Year nominees Leesa Muir and Pat Fogarty.
Nominees and eventual award winners Meagan Lowry and Chelsea Weir.
Nominees Leanne Mulham and Robin McIlwain.
Mini Vinnies coordinator Tina Pisasale.
Belinda and Hamish Baker, Enzo and Diego Sztejman and Judy Bond.
Anthony Michael, representing Deniliquin High School, and ERC CEO Jack Bond.
Cassie Lea and nominee Brad Gain.
Luke Harrington, representing Riding for the Disabled, with wife Leanne Harrington, Deputy Mayor Kelly Crossley and Mayor Ashley Hall.
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