Australia Day Award nominees for Liverpool Plains Shire Council revealed

From Citizen to the Year to Junior Sportsperson of the Year, every award means a lot to its recipient, even if receiving credit isn't what they do it for.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council mayor, Councillor Doug Hawkins OAM, said every award winner should be celebrated.

"Our local awards are important as they provide the chance to acknowledge local residents and to celebrate those who have reached important milestones in their community service journey, or who have contributed to the welfare of the Shire over many years," he stated.

"We are blessed having so many people in the Shire who put others before themselves and who work daily to make our region an even better place to live."

The full list of award nominees and what they have accomplished is below:

Robyn Leece

Has been nominated for her volunteer and nursing services at Quirindi Hospital and Health Service, devoting the last 20 years to help the local community to enjoy better health by working with them to stay active. Despite her own disability, Robyn has assisted patients to understand their own illnesses and how to manage to live well and enjoy life which has made her a much loved and respected member of this community.

Sally Alden

Nominated for her time and energy towards her community project Liverpool Plains Front Steps Project, in response to COVID-19's tightened grip in Australia and in our community. The project involved, Sally setting out to take photos of the Liverpool Plains community on the front steps of their homes during the Pandemic lock-down to bring the community together and received a massive online response that people loved and connected to wholeheartedly.

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Kim Lawlor

For her substantial involvement with Quirindi High School Parents and Carers Committee since 2007 and other committees including Westpac Helicopter Quirindi Support Group, Quirindi Spring Show, Quirindi Silo Art and POP Markets.

Mary Roberts

For her contribution towards providing progress through her involvement with Council's Cultural and Events Advisory Group, Quota Quirindi, Rural Heritage Museum, Friends of the Quirindi Library, the Royal Theatre Volunteer Network and Quirindi Garden Club.

Madge Martin

For her contribution of knitted rugs for the homeless and needy for many years. At the ripe age of 94, Madge has donated her rugs to Quirindi Country Women's Association and Oz Harvest to distribute around the State where needed.

Rotary Club of Quirindi's Community Services Branch

The members, Sonja Thorneycroft and Bruce Paris, under the leadership of Dallas Clarke have been nominated for coordinating drought funding during the drought on the Liverpool Plains and using their own cars to personally deliver food hampers, vouchers, gifts and chat to farmers in need.

Sally Alden

(Details as above under Citizen of the Year heading)

Colleen Wills

For her unwavering support she offers to the Liverpool Plains community through 30+ years of involvement with Quirindi's CWA in times of crippling drought, flooding rains and financial hardships.

Shane Gill

For being an active member of the community through tireless years of volunteering at the Quirindi Cemetery, Quirindi Grain And Produce, Quirindi Community Garden, Quirindi Rugby Club, and Quirindi Rural Heritage Village

Melissa Stubbs

For her endless amounts of energy, warmth and positive nature and caring and giving contribution towards teaching each student from her music school program, International School of Music, Quirindi.

Michael and Trudie Arnold

For their volunteering with Werris Creek and District Preschool for the past 9 years with Trudie providing leadership with the management committee and Michael as the Preschool's very valued handy man.

Toby Dewick

For his involvement with all 3 volunteer groups in Quirindi including storm operation services with the SES, rescuers of lives and animals with Volunteer Rescue Association, and fighting fires as the captain of the local Braefield/Duri brigade based in Quirindi.

Maxwell Kettle

As a reliable and dedicated member of Liverpool Plains State Emergency Services for his willingness to assist, risking his life to save others by providing help to storm damaged homes and assisting Police with searches.

John Maunder

For much deserved recognition for his lifelong, tireless contributions as a volunteer to our local community, particularly in the field of emergency services. John is involved in numerous community groups and operations such as a member of VRA, 15 years with Liverpool Plains SES and being heavily involved with Quirindi Community Nursery, the Rural Heritage Village, and Quirindi Village Miniature Railway as club president.

Lucas Percy

For representing New South Wales, Northern Inland Academy of Sport and Tamworth Thunderbolts in Basketball competitions from regional to national levels.

Molly Elford

For competing on international, national, state and local levels in Netball, Touch Football, and Athletics throughout 2020 including a trip to England to play netball for Australia to coaching for local sporting clubs.

Faith Green

For competing and excelling in Hockey, Softball and Rugby in 2020 and representing Tamworth, the North West and Scone in each of these sports.