The awards were held at the Slim Dusty Centre with hundreds of locals coming to congratulate the winners. 

A record number of nominations were received for the prestigious awards this year, which recognise individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to the local community.

Mayor Liz Campbell, together with Australia Day Ambassador Diana Ryall AM, announced the five recipients of this year’s awards.

“Congratulations to all the worthy recipients of out Australia Day awards. It’s wonderful to be able to formally recognise the time and efforts that these inspiring citizens give willingly and selflessly to make our community a better place,” Cr Campbell said.

Kempsey Australia Day ambassador Diana Ryall AM addressed the crowd and said she welcomes the new residents that became Australian citizens at the ceremony.

“What an exciting day for our new citizens,” she said.

“I’m honoured to be your Australia Day Ambassador and am delighted to be involved in an event such as this.”

The 2019 Australia Day Award winners are: 

Citizen of the Year –  Holly Gaddes

Holly is a dedicated member of the South West Rocks community who volunteers tirelessly under the motto: ‘We are better together.’

Holly spearheaded the creation of the South West Rocks Sport and Recreation Association which successfully worked with Kempsey Shire Council for the $3.3 million Mid-North Coast High Performance Centre. She initiated the Horseshoe Bay Reserve Parkrun and started the South West Rocks Synergy group, which includes local groups and organisations who meet and network twice a year.

Citizen of the Year – Josh Ball

Josh has generously dedicated countless hours to organising the Macleay Hay Run, dedicating hours and truck hire to get food and hay to drought-stricken farmers. Joining forces with Australian farming charity, Aussie Helpers, Josh helped to deliver more than 2,500 round bales, 30 tonnes of molasses and several tonnes of groceries to needy farmers across regional NSW.

Young Citizen of the Year –  Soleil Szita

Locally trained 14-year-old dancer and performer Soleil has represented the Macleay with pride at the highest levels.

In 2018 she achieved amazing milestones and won many accolades at several national and international dance competitions, including: 

Soleil has also found a passion for teaching and has assisted in teaching dance and gymnastics classes and is training to become a dance teacher. 

Volunteer of the Year – Jane Walsh

Jane is passionate about making the Macleay a better place for all, particularly for our youth, through her volunteer work with scouting, sporting and performing arts groups.

Jane has been involved with 1^st Kempsey Scout Group as a leader for the Venturer section since 1990 and has been Leader in Charge for the last 10 years.

She is a Life Member of the Saints Soccor Club where she has been involved as a committee member since 2003.

Jane has also volunteered for a number of years on the Kempsey District Eisteddfod in verious roles and has helped to organise and run the last four Kempsey Relay for Life events.

Community Group of the Year – ​ Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group

Since it was formed nine years ago, the Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group has raised more than $350,000 in funding for locals living with Type 1 Diabetes.

The aim of the group is to raise awareness of Diabetes in our local area, as well as provide practical support for those living with the disease. Some of the Group’s activities include: hospital and home support, and the purchase of essential equipment for ongoing management of glucose levels for both children and adults.

The Macleay Valley Coast Diabetes Group has done an outstanding job of improving the quality of care for those diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in our community and touched the lives of many with their ongoing care and generous support, both financial and non-financial.

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