WENTWORTH SHIRE COUNCIL WELCOMES A NEW CITIZEN AND ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS FOR 2025
Wentworth Shire Council welcomed a new citizen and recognised the achievements of outstanding community members during its Australia Day 2025 Ceremony, held on Saturday 25 January 2025 at the Wentworth Visitor Centre Conference Room.
Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Cr Daniel Linklater, officiated the citizenship ceremony, welcoming Krutarth Macwan as a new Australian citizen. Krutarth is among more than 14,600 people from over 150 countries taking part in Australia Day citizenship ceremonies across the nation.
Mayor Linklater said, “On behalf of the Wentworth Shire community, I warmly welcome our newest citizen who has chosen to make Australia his home. It is a privilege to be part of this significant event in his life.”
This year’s Australia Day Awards honoured a remarkable group of nominees who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteering, sports, cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts.
Nominees for the Citizen of the Year award included Glenis Beaumont, Allan Cullinan, Caitlin Hickey, Georgina Mudge, Andrew Murdoch, and Malcolm Williams.
The prestigious Citizen of the Year award was presented to Andrew Murdoch for his dedication to being a community leader and life member of the Wentworth District Football Netball Club, having served as President for a number of years, in addition to being a director of the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club. He was chair of the highly successful Dareton Centenary Celebrations, coordinating a team of volunteers to deliver a three-day event that drew thousands back to the town. Andrew has been a long-time member of the George Gordon Oval User Group and he played a key role in the development of the second oval at the George Gordon Sporting Complex, which was named in his honour.
His outstanding commitment to the Wentworth District Football Netball Club, the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club and more recently the Dareton Centenary Celebrations has made a lasting impact on the community, demonstrating leadership, dedication, and a spirit of generosity that inspires others.
Abby Collihole was named Young Citizen of the Year for her exceptional leadership, community involvement, and dedication to inspiring others. As a Year 11 student, Abby has represented her school by laying the wreath on ANZAC Day, assisting with fundraisers, and supporting sports carnivals. Her leadership and willingness to help teachers and students earned her the role of School Captain. Through her work with Creating Chances, Abby mentors primary school students, teaching them sports and leadership skills. She has also represented her community through projects with the Department of Education and the ABC, showcasing her achievements as a young regional talent in NSW.
Abby Collihole also received the Young Sportsperson of the Year award for outstanding achievements in cricket and her contributions to sport and the community. Over the past year, Abby has represented her sport across Australia, playing in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as well as internationally in Malaysia. Locally, she ranked in the Top 5 for the Sunraysia Cricket Association women’s vote count and was named in the Team of the Year. She’s part of the NSW Youth Academy for the Riverina Region and competes in elite competitions for Essendon Maribyrnong Park and Kensington, where she has already earned a spot in their 1st division side. She also captains the Gol Gol women’s football team and has umpired the senior men’s and women’s grand finals.
Wentworth Area Landcare Inc was awarded the Environmental Award for their exceptional commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. Since forming in 2021, Wentworth Area Landcare Inc has organised impactful events such as Clean Up Australia Day, catch a Carp Day, and National Tree Day, all of which have made significant contributions to improving local ecosystems through reforestation, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal.
Mayor Linklater concluded, “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2025 Australia Day Awards. Your dedication and achievements reflect the best of our community spirit.”
He also expressed his appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations, stating, “I extend my sincere thanks to all those who took the time to nominate these exceptional individuals, and a special thanks to our Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Sam Bramham OAM, for joining us on this important day. It was an honour to have him in Wentworth Shire.”
