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 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 exceptional determination, resilience and commitment to sport.
Despite living with a disability, she has actively 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 innovative and inclusive events, the group has helped foster conversation, connection and support, particularly during challenging times marked by 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.
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