Wentworth Shire Council Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony 2026
Wentworth Shire Council is proud to host the 2026 Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Sunday 25 January 2026 at the Wentworth Visitor Centre Conference Room, 61 Darling Street, Wentworth. Official proceedings will commence from 6.30pm. The event will include the presentation of the Australia Day Awards and a Citizenship Ceremony to welcome the region’s newest citizens.
The 2026 Australia Day Ambassador for Wentworth Shire is Ms Ange Clarke, a celebrated advocate and community leader, and the founder and CEO of Where There’s A Will. Recognised as a Fred Hollows Humanitarian recipient, Ms Clarke’s work embodies inclusion, kindness and the belief that everyone deserves to belong.
Ms Clarke’s passion for inclusion has been shaped by her personal journey as the mother of her son, Will, who lives with autism. This experience led her to establish the global cricket bat charity Where There’s A Will, which has seen more than 850 artists transform cricket bats into artworks to spark conversations about disability inclusion. Another of her lasting legacies is The Last Over, a tradition adopted by cricket clubs across Australia to celebrate ability and build camaraderie.
Ms Clarke currently leads The Good Home Project for Scope Australia and Moonacres School, championing sustainable food and stronger community connection.
Reflecting on the significance of Australia Day, Ms Clarke said, “Being Australian means believing we are at our best when everyone has a place at the table.” She describes her favourite Australian food moment as a good lamb roast and fresh Australian seafood, and notes that she is most proud of “the way communities rebuild, reopen and re-imagine life after hardship”.
The event is open to the public. Award recipients will be announced on Council’s website at wentworth.nsw.gov.au following the ceremony.
Mayor of Wentworth Shire, Councillor Daniel Linklater said, “Australia Day was an important opportunity to recognise the people and values that strengthen the local community.
A time to reflect on what brings us together as a community, to celebrate the achievements of individuals who give their time and energy for others, and to warmly welcome our newest Australian citizens,” Cr Linklater said.
“The Australia Day Awards highlight the quiet achievers, volunteers and leaders who make Wentworth Shire such a supportive and connected place to live. Council is proud to honour their contributions and to host this meaningful ceremony for our community.”
In addition to the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, community celebrations will be held across the shire on Monday 26 January 2026, offering residents the opportunity to come together locally. Events include a Community Brunch in the Park in Dareton from 10am at Tapio Park, hosted by the Dareton Community Action Team, an Australia Day Breakfast in Mourquong from 8am at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens hosted by the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens and cooked by the Buronga, Gol Gol and District Lions Club, and a Community BBQ Breakfast in Pooncarie from 8am to 10am at Pioneer Memorial Park hosted by the Pooncarie and District Development Association.
Council extends its best wishes to all nominees for the 2026 Australia Day Awards and warmly welcomes the new citizens being conferred on the day.
