The region is celebrating not just one new Citizen of the Year in 2026, but four.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
At ceremonies across the Southern Riverina on Monday, Berrigan Shire crowned one Citizen of the Year and one each was rewarded for their community commitment in each of the Murrumbidgee Council towns.
Berrigan Shire’s Citizen of the Year is Valerie Lockman.
The Murrumbidgee Citizens of the Year are Jane Strachan (Colembally), Tyson Woods (Darlington Point) and John Crittenden (Jerilderie).
Like the top award, award winners in other categories were also announced at Barooga and in separate ceremonies in Jerilderie, Colembally and Darlington Point.
Despite hot conditions, celebrations in each of the communities were well attended.
Some were moved indoors to improve comfort for attendees, and unfortunately Jerilderie’s traditional fireworks display to close out Australia Day was cancelled last week based on the steamy forecast.
More on the four Citizens of the Year follows:
Berrigan - Valerie Lockman
Valerie Lockman is a much-loved and respected member of the Barooga community.
She has been actively involved in numerous local groups, including the VALS Sewing Group, the Quilters Group, and the Barooga Advancement Group.
“Through these roles, she has played a pivotal part in strengthening community connection, resilience and pride,” her citation read.
“Through her leadership of the VALS Sewing Group, Valerie coordinates and supports volunteers to create handmade items for hospitals and vulnerable community members, as well as responding to community needs during times of hardship, including the 2022 floods.
“Her work is entirely voluntary and driven by a passion for helping others and sharing skills.
Over the past year, Valerie has led the creation of community decorations throughout Barooga, including Christmas displays and decorative bollard covers for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and the festive season.
“These projects have been widely praised for enhancing the town’s appearance and fostering community pride.
“Valerie’s contribution spans decades and includes volunteering with Meals on Wheels, maintaining the Barooga Cemetery, and supporting organisations such as WCA, Ottrey Lodge and Moira Health Alliance.
“Her dedication and community spirit make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.”
Colembally - Jane Strachan
Jane Strachan has been a dedicated and tireless contributor to the Coleambally community for many years.
She is currently serving on the Coleambally Chamber of Commerce, the Australia Day Committee, the Coleambally/Darlington Point Country Education Foundation, and as a Board member and Secretary of Cypress View Lodge.
In 2025, Jane made an exceptional contribution through her work with Cypress View Lodge, improving board processes, leading grant applications that provided vital equipment for residents and staff, and helping plan the Lodge’s 30th anniversary.
She has also been a key member of the CEF committee, mentoring grant recipients, organising the annual Trivia Night fundraiser, and assisting with the Foundation’s 15th anniversary celebrations.
“Despite her full-time work with the NSW Department of Education, running a family business, and caring for her family, Jane is always the first to step up - offering ideas, solutions, and support wherever it is needed,” her citation read.
“Her energy, dedication, and selfless service have made a real and lasting difference to the youth and wider community of Coleambally.”
Darlington Point - Tyson Woods
Tyson received the Group 20 Rugby League Volunteer Award for 2025 for his dedication and work for the Darlington Point Coleambally Rugby League Football Club.
He is the keeper of the keys, and always has the facilities open for training and game days.
He has the lights on, water bottles and training gear ready.
He is always the last to leave training, making sure everything is back in place and locked up.
Game day is always set up and ready for all coaches, committee and players thanks to Tyson’s hard work.
He is one of the biggest supporters of the football club and everyone knows who Tyson is.
He also helps on the Coleambally Taxi Truck and is well known for his assistance in delivering mail to some local businesses, and he loves a chat!
Jerilderie - John Crittenden
John Crittenden has given 49 years of dedication and commitment to what was once known as the Jerilderie Fire Brigade, and is now recognised as Fire + Rescue NSW.
During his time with FRNSW, his last 10 years of service were as Brigade Captain, with a stint as Deputy Captain for the five preceding years.
He commented that much has changed over the years, with his early days seeing nothing other than an occasional chimney fire and a lot of time spent at the fire station playing table tennis.
“However, the station is now a primary rescue station, with all members rescue accredited, and sent all over the district to attend rescue situations,” he said.
Over nearly five decades, he has responded to countless emergencies, both in our community and also to major events such as the Sydney fires in 1994, Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria in 2009 and the 2020/21 bushfires, which ravaged large parts of Australia.
He is a recipient of the National Emergency Medal, the National Medal for Service with 3rd Clasp, the NSW Fire Brigades’ Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with 3rd Clasp, and the NSW Premier’s Bushfire Emergency Citation, and his service has been formally recognised by the Commissioner of Fire + Rescue NSW.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton, presenting a Community Recognition Statement, also sang his praises in Parliament.
A very proud moment for John was when his son joined Fire + Rescue NSW.
Recently stepping down from his position with the brigade, he said he will miss the camaraderie with his crew and the service as a whole.
John has also spent his lifetime generously supporting not only our community but also going wherever he was needed.
His contributions have gone beyond the fire ground, as he is also a returned soldier of the Australian Army.
“He is a highly respected and active member of our community,” Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said.
“He holds a position of trust, which has been built through his many years of service, leadership and commitment to helping others.
“We acknowledge his enormous contributions and the positive impact he has had on the lives of so many.”