The Australia Day weekend was celebrated across the Murrumbidgee Council area, with ceremonies held in Coleambally, Darlington Point and Jerilderie.
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The ceremonies celebrated the dedication, service and outstanding contributions of individuals and community groups who have made a positive difference in their local town.
The Coleambally and Darlington Point ceremonies were also attended by Australia Day Ambassador Geoff Coombes OAM.
In addition to the Citizens of the Year (see page 1) and the sporting award recipients (see page 16), the following awards were presented.
Coleambally:
Event of the Year - CFNC 60 year anniversary event
In June 2025, the Coleambally Football Netball Club proudly celebrated 60 years since the formation of the original Coleambally Football Club in 1965.
The June 14 anniversary and reunion was a major celebration, featuring 10 junior and senior football and netball games, followed by a post-match function at the Community Club.
The event brought together past and present players, members, and supporters, with about 120 volunteers coordinating everything from gates and logistics, to memorabilia displays and invitations.
An extensive, 122-page commemorative book, along with merchandise, marked the club’s history and achievements.
About 750 spectators enjoyed the game day, and the post-game function was attended by an estimated 320 people.
This included special guest Brett Deledio, former AFL player, and featured a successful auction of heritage guernseys.
This milestone celebration highlighted the incredible community spirit, strong volunteer commitment, and support from local businesses that make the Coleambally Football Netball Club such a cherished part of our town.
Cultural Award - Can Assist members
This acknowledges some very special members of Coleambally Can Assist - Heather Hogan, Noelene DeMamiel, Beris Lyell, Judy Duffell, and Margaret Cobden.
These remarkable octogenarian volunteers, with a combined age of more than 400 years, have been part of Can Assist for between 15 and 33 years each.
Their dedication, loyalty, and commitment form the very heart of our charity.
Whether it’s fundraising, catering for wakes, birthdays, special events, fashion parades, bowls days, or morning teas with guest speakers, they are always ready to contribute - and we all know of their famous baking!
Beyond their hands-on support, they bring wisdom and insight to the branch meetings, helping guide strategies and ensuring Can Assist continues to focus on its charitable mission.
Their contribution is truly a lasting legacy and an inspiration to us all.
Young Citizen of the Year - Grace Muir
Grace Muir is a lifelong Coleambally resident and a remarkable young leader.
In 2025, she completed her HSC at St Francis de Sales Regional College while balancing outstanding commitments to community service, sport, and leadership.
Grace is an active member of the Coleambally Rural Fire Service, responding to emergencies with courage and dedication.
She also volunteers at Assumption Villa, supporting and engaging with elderly residents with kindness and respect.
In sport, Grace leads by example.
She coaches the CFNC under-13s netball, growing the squad from fewer than seven players to almost two full teams, and served as assistant coach for the Leeton under-14s representative netball team, taking them to the state championships.
She also plays for the Leeton under-17s rep team and was awarded the Team Spirit Award for her encouragement, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Grace’s dedication has been recognised with the St Francis de Sales Boarders’ Jess Murphy Award for her outstanding community spirit and selflessness.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Christine Chirgwin and Heather Hogan
Christine serves as secretary of the Toganmain Woolshed Precinct Committee, a group recently formed to lead the restoration of the historic Toganmain Woolshed.
Her dedication has been central to every aspect of this project - from organising restoration working bees and securing sponsorship funding, to managing publicity and coordinating the 150th birthday celebration.
Christine’s effort ensured the event was a memorable celebration of this iconic local heritage site.
Beyond this, Christine is a long-standing and valued member of numerous community organisations, including Taste Coly, the Community Garden Committee, the Rural Fire Service, Can Assist, and Murrumbidgee Council.
In each, she plays a vital role, generously mentoring new and aspiring members, and demonstrating unwavering commitment, leadership, and service to the community.
Heather longest association has been with Coly Can Assist.
She led a discussion with a group of concerned locals just over 33 years ago about the need for financial support for residents diagnosed with cancer.
This meeting led to the formation of the branch, formally known as the Cancer Patients Assistance Society, in December 1992.
From the very beginning, Heather has been a driving force behind the branch, serving as president and secretary, attending regional meetings, and leading countless fundraising events - street stalls, fashion parades, morning teas, bowls days, catering for wakes, Anzac Days, and special celebrations.
In recognition of her invaluable contribution, she was awarded honorary life membership in November.
Darlington Point:
Young Citizen of the Year – Maggie Burns
Maggie is recognised for her exceptional leadership, community involvement and positive influence on others.
She was the Darlington Point Public School captain and Dux recipient for 2025, achievements that reflect her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and genuine care for her school community.
She led by example with maturity and pride and was an active member of the school debating team, earning numerous public speaking awards that showcase her confidence and communication skills.
Beyond academics, Maggie is a proud DPC Roosters league tag player, demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment since joining the club in 2018.
She also contributes to her local community through fundraising efforts for the Redneck Rally, Riverina Classic and the DPPS P&C.
What sets Maggie apart is her kindness, patience, and willingness to support others, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.
Combined with her leadership, achievements and community spirit, she is a highly deserving recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year award.
Event of the Year – Toganmain Woolshed 150th Celebration
Toganmain Woolshed Precinct is a dedicated group of individuals committed to the restoration and preservation of the iconic Toganmain Woolshed.
Their work began with community working bees and evolved into securing official recognition for a portion of the Toganmain property, including the woolshed and associated outbuildings.
The group’s mission is to share and celebrate Australia’s rich pastoral heritage.
In June 2025, they marked the 150th anniversary of the Toganmain Woolshed with a two-day celebration that attracted more than 1000 visitors.
The event featured market stalls, food, entertainment, and guided tours, gaining coverage from ABC Landline, RM Williams Outback Magazine, and The Weekly Times.
The milestone celebration also provided an economic boost to Darlington Point, with most local accommodation fully booked.
A highlight of the weekend was a Saturday night dinner attended by 180 guests, seated along a long table beneath the iconic board of the shed.
The Toganmain Woolshed Precinct is recognised for its unwavering commitment, hard work, and passion in preserving one of the state’s iconic pastoral landmarks.
Jerilderie:
Young Citizen of the Year - Chloe Rorato
Chloe Rorato is an outstanding leader, whose commitment to her school and community sets her apart.
In 2025 she was vice captain of Finley High School and consistently demonstrated initiative, creativity, reliability and compassion.
Frequently the first to volunteer for tasks, she often completes important jobs unseen by others.
As a member of the SRC, she helped coordinate important fundraising days such as Are You Bogged Mate? and MND awareness campaigns.
She has supported her peers academically, volunteering her time to help students prepare for exams.
A friendly, mature and conscientious student, she consistently strives to do her best and contribute positively to all aspects of school life.
Her ability to lead quietly while remaining approachable has earned her the admiration of staff and peers, as well as recognition through a Principal’s Award for Education Week.
She also received the Helen Dalton MP Award – an award that is presented to a Year 12 graduating student who puts their best foot forward, shows a mature approach to their education, responsibility for their own learning, with positive attendance and engagement in extracurricular activities that made positive contributions to the learning environment to ensure and support those around them.
In her HSC, she achieved standout performances across a range of subjects. She was also named the 2025 Dux of Finley High School.
Over many years, she has played an active role in organising and contributing to numerous school and community events, including planning and coordinating the year 12 graduation, volunteering at the Jerilderie Dog Auction, the Jerilderie Australia Day event, local Anzac Day ceremonies and the Jerilderie Good Friday door knock.
She plays football for the Barooga Football Club and assists the coach of the Jerilderie u14s and u17s teams.
In 2024 and 2025 she was selected as part of the Bushrangers’ pre-season squads.
Her dedication, hard work and conscientious approach have greatly enriched her town and school communities.
• For full citations and more photos, go to www.southernriverinanews.com.au.