Australia Day Awards Recognise Outstanding Shire Citizens

31 January 2022

Australia Day Awards Recognise Outstanding Shire Citizens - Post Image

Warren Shire has recognised the contribution of several outstanding citizens, with the presentation of the 2022 Australia Day Awards on Wednesday 26 January. 

Taking out the prestigious 2022 Citizen of the Year Award was committed community leader Frances Evans, whose work bringing musical events to Warren and creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents has put Warren Shire on the musical map.

The award winners across all categories were recognised for their significant community contributions:

  • Citizen of the Year: Frances Evans 
  • Young Citizen of the Year: Hayley Hall
  • Community Service Award: Warren Young Life Volunteers - William and Annabelle Cant
  • Young Achiever of the Year: Sophie Hopkin
  • Sportsperson of the Year: Warren Rugby Club Pumarettes 
  • Young Sportsperson of the Year: Joey Walker
  • Community Event of the Year: Warren Chamber Music Festival
  • Business House of the Year: RaRMS Health Warren

Mayor of Warren Shire, Councillor Milton Quigley, said the Awards provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contribution of citizens from all facets of the community.

“We recognise the valuable contribution of all of our 2022 nominees, and the positive impact they have made on our community,” says Mayor Quigley. 

“These Awards highlight the strong spirit we hold in Warren Shire and provide a platform for us to acknowledge the achievements of some of our unsung heroes. 

“I congratulate all of our 2022 Australia Day Award winners and all who were nominated. They have achieved remarkable results across sporting, volunteer, business and community initiatives.”

Our 2022 Warren Shire Australia Day Award Winners: 

1. WINNER: Business House of the Year – RaRMS Health Warren

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at RaRMS Health Warren have worked tirelessly to help keep the Warren Shire community safe. The community is very fortunate to have such a dedicated team who continue to provide a high standard of care during this ongoing, unprecedented event.

2. WINNER: Young Sports Person of the Year Joey Walker

Joey is an all-rounder when it comes to sport. When he isn’t playing for Nyngan Tigers Under 14s rugby league team, you will find Joey on the golf course. Here, he has excelled - bringing his handicap down to 9, and winning the NSW Junior Sand Greens Championship, B Grade and Junior Warren Champion, and Junior Pennants Gilgandra.

3. WINNER: Sports Person of the YearWarren Rugby Club Pumarettes

Paws up for the Pumarettes, who were formed in 2021 to play in the inaugural year of the Western Plains Rugby Union Women’s Touch Rugby 7s competition. Under the coaching leadership of Harry Russ, the Warren Rugby President, and Brent Barwick, the then-Warren Rugby Club Manager, 15 local females became the Pumarettes - powered by a willingness to represent Warren and have a go at something new. While the competition was cut short due to COVID restrictions, the team still finished in the top three – a huge achievement. 

4. WINNER: Young Achiever of the YearSophie Hopkin

As 2021 School Captain of Warren Central School, Sophie has shown herself to be a natural leader who demonstrates pride, respect for peers and teachers, excellent communication skills, reliability and trustworthiness. Sophie is an admirable role model for the school and our wider community. She volunteers for many fundraising initiatives, including RUOK Day, Dolly’s Dream and Beanies for Brain Cancer, and is recognised for her commitment, school service, citizenship and academic performance. 

5. WINNER: Community Event of the YearWarren Chamber of Music Festival
 The Inaugural Warren Chamber Music Festival was held on the 7-9 May 2021. Committee Members Frances Evans, Dr John Burke, Phil Leman, Marianne Noonan and Rod Sandell worked together to obtain funding and develop a fantastic program of four concerts, featuring exceptional professional musicians and performers, including three local artists. The events were a huge success and have attracted the attention of music-lovers from around the nation. 

6. WINNER: Community Service Award – William and Annabelle Cant

William and Annabelle are Warren Young Life Volunteers who help to empower youth aged 12-18 years by providing positive role modelling and personal mentorship, while enabling opportunities that connect youth with people, communities and experiences. Both William and Annabelle have given their time and energy to implement this initiative across Warren Shire, providing activities for up to 20 teenagers.

7. WINNER: Young Citizen Award – Hayley Hall

As a Warren Central School student, Hayley’s final year of Primary was a busy one. Hayley was a Prefect, leading her peers by example and being an advocate when required. Hayley was Dux of the Primary School and the recipient of a number of awards in recognition of her academic achievements, which include representing Warren Central School in the Western Plains Science and Engineering Challenge in Dubbo. 

8. WINNER: Citizen of the Year – Frances Evans

As the driving force behind the Warren Chamber Music Festival, Frances has put Warren Shire on the map for music-fans across Australia. She has instigated several programs, including the Symphonia Jubilate / Outback Symphonia Program for young people and a 2022 Education Week Program. She is also the music co-ordinator of the Ngiyampaa Wailwan Unearthed ‘Our Place’ music program, which focuses on Aboriginal students participating in Drumbeat, Rockband, a string octet and individual lessons, to develop their musical talents.

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