Council honours local heroes at 2025 Australia Day Award Ceremony
28 January 2025
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From a teenage polocrosse champion to a 31-year-old meals delivery service, Warren Shire's 2025 Australia Day Awards showcased the outstanding achievements of local individuals and organisations who have made significant contributions to the community.
The awards were presented by Warren’s Australia Day ambassador, dual Olympian and dual Commonwealth Games gold medalist Alexandra Moore, Warren Shire Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley and Council’s Australia Day Committee Chair Councillor Ros Jackson and Councillor David Cleasby.
Ryan Mason Engineering was honoured with Business House of the Year for their outstanding commitment to quality steel fabrication, engineering and hydraulic services.
BUSINESS HOUSE OF THE YEAR: Kevin Taylor, Warren Supa IGA Plus Liquor and the Warren Meat House (nominee), Rosie Turnbull, Rosie’s Boutique Condiments Pty Ltd (nominee), Emma Mason, Ryan Mason Engineering (winner), Australia Day Ambassador Alexandra Moore and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley.
Allie Maclean was named Young Sportsperson of the Year, not only for her impressive success in polocrosse, including Player of the Match at the Australian Polocrosse Nationals In 2024, but for her exemplary sportsmanship.
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Allie Maclean, Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley.
The Warren Community Triathlon volunteers were presented Sportsperson of the Year for their continuous dedication, having celebrated the event’s 14th successful year in 2024.
SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Jeremy Weston representing the Volunteers of the Warren Community Triathlon, Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley.
The Warren Rugby Union Club’s 70th Anniversary Celebration received recognition as Community Event of the Year, commemorating its rich legacy with matches, a celebration dinner and tributes to past and present players.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR: Zoey Daley representing Warraan Widji Arts Building Opening (nominee), Milton Quigley representing Warren Rugby Union Club 70th Anniversary Celebrations (recipient), Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley.
Duncan Harrison and Zoey Daley of Warren Central School received the Young Achiever of the Year Award for their academic excellence, leadership and community contributions. Duncan's achievements include early university entry and service with the Rural Fire Service, while Zoey was recognised for her work on the Wayilwan language revival.
YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR: Zoey Daley (recipient), Lloyd O’Brien (nominee), Gracie Leonard (nominee), Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley (Duncan Harrison (recipient) missing from photo).
The Community Services Award was presented to Warren Meals on Wheels for 31 years of service to the Warren Community - an organisation run entirely by volunteers.
COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD: Maryanne Brennan representing Warren Volunteer Palliative Care Group (nominee), Danielle Redmond (nominee), Jim Harvey (nominee), Jayne Wilson representing Warren Meals on Wheels (recipient), Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley. Absent - Rod Sandell
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Young Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year, individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the community in 2024.
Warren Central School student Gracie Leonard received Young Citizen of the Year in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and leadership qualities. Gracie completed her Higher School Certificate and earned a Certificate III in Health Services, securing a role at Warren Multi-Purpose Health Service. She is also actively involved in the Student’s Representative Council, Moorambilla Voices and Warraan Widjii Arts.
YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Gracie Leonard (recipient), Lloyd O’Brien (nominee), Zoey Daley (nominee), Alexandra Moore – Australia Day Ambassador and Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley. (Nominee Duncan Harrison missing from photo).
For her extensive volunteer work that spans numerous community initiatives including the WAM and Arts Committee, Christmas Street Party, and the Warren Health Action Campaign, Judy Ridley was recognised as Warren’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Judy Ridley (recipient), Danielle Redmond (nominee), Bill Darcy (nominee), Mayor Councillor Greg Whiteley and Australia Day Ambassador, Alexandra Moore.
“The calibre and number of nominations this year show what a talented and great community we have. All the people and groups nominated today should be extremely proud,” Warren Shire Council Mayor, Greg Whiteley shared.
“We thank those people who took the time to acknowledge and nominate our great nominees this year. The 2026 nominations will open within the next few weeks. Please take the opportunity to submit nominations during the upcoming year.”
”We also thank Alexandra Moore, Warren’s Australia Day Ambassador, for being part of the celebrations, as well as the Council’s Australia Day Committee and all the volunteers who made the event a success."
Australia Day Ambassador Alexandra Moore awarded her Ambassador Pin to our 2025 Citizen of the Year, Judy Ridley.
-ENDS-
Media Contact:
Councillor Ros Jackson
Australia Day Committee Chair, Warren Shire Council
council@warren.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6847 6600