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Wentworth Shire Council welcomes new Australian citizens and announces 2026 Australia Day Award recipients

Wentworth Shire Council welcomed four new Australian citizens and recognised the achievements of outstanding community members at its Australia Day 2026 Ceremony, held on Sunday 25 January 2026 at the Wentworth Visitor Information Centre Conference Room.

Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Daniel Linklater, officiated the citizenship ceremony, formally welcoming Garth Bowen, Julie Kern, Frederick Bowen and William Lloyd as Australia’s newest citizens.

The ceremony formed part of Australia Day celebrations held across the nation. As at 31 December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries had been invited to attend citizenship ceremonies hosted by local government councils and other organisations as part of Australia Day 2026.

Mayor Linklater said it was a privilege to welcome new citizens to the Wentworth Shire community.

“On behalf of the Wentworth Shire community, I warmly welcome our newest citizens who have chosen to make Australia their home. It is an honour to share such an important milestone with them and their families,” Mayor Linklater said.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteering, sport, cultural initiatives and community leadership.

Nominees for the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award were Bill Wheeldon, Louise Theodore, Gaye Lamb, Col Kerin and Marg Whyte.

The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Gaye Lamb in recognition of her extensive and long-standing contribution to the Wentworth local government area. Over four decades, Ms Lamb has dedicated her time and expertise to a wide range of community organisations and causes, including public health, environmental initiatives, history and heritage, women’s advocacy and journalism. Her service has supported organisations such as the New South Western Standard, the Country Women’s Association and the Wentworth Show, reflecting a sustained commitment to the community marked by dedication, resilience and selflessness.

The Young Sportsperson of the Year Award was presented to Charley Stonham. Charley, who has recently completed her primary education at Pooncarie Public School, was recognised for her determination, resilience and commitment to sport. Despite living with a disability, she has participated in local, district and state sporting carnivals and consistently demonstrates sportsmanship, fairness and encouragement of her teammates.

The Organisation of the Year Award was presented to Pooncarie v Anabranch Raising Awareness for Mental Health. Established 12 years ago, the group has grown from a single cricket match raising awareness for men’s health into a broader community initiative promoting mental health awareness across the shire. Through inclusive events, the group has fostered conversation, connection and support, particularly during periods of floods, drought, cost of living pressures and remoteness. The group continues to raise thousands of dollars annually in support of mental health, breast cancer and men’s health initiatives.

Mayor Linklater congratulated all award recipients and nominees.

“The dedication and generosity shown by our award recipients and nominees reflect the very best of our community spirit. Council is proud to acknowledge their contributions and the positive impact they have made across our shire,” he said.

Mayor Linklater also thanked those who submitted nominations and acknowledged the attendance of Australia Day Ambassador Ms Ange Clarke.

“I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate these deserving individuals and organisations, and to our Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Ange Clarke, for joining us on this important occasion. It was an honour to welcome her to Wentworth Shire,” he said.

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