Federation Council's Australia Day award winners for 2026 with Farrer MP, Sussan Ley who was in Corowa for the ceremony.
The Federation community gathered at the Corowa Memorial Hall on Monday to celebrate Australia Day with a special ceremony honouring local achievement, national history, and to welcome 13 new Australian citizens.
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The event featured an address by Australia Day Ambassador John Harper OAM, a dedicated rural mental health advocate, and a historical reflection by Lesley New from the Corowa District Historical Society, marking 125 years since the federation of the Australian states.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond for their community.
Federation Council mayor, Cheryl Cook praised the selflessness of the nominees and the strength of the community.
“Today is a celebration of our people,” Cr Cook said.
“The individuals we recognize today are those who consistently go above and beyond to ensure our towns remain resilient, connected, and thriving.
The Federation Citizen of the Year was awarded to Kelvin (Kel) Kuhne.
Mr Kuhne, a veteran of the front lines for 28 years, was recognized for his heroic leadership as Captain of the Rand Rural Fire Brigade, his work coordinating flood responses, and his mentorship of the next generation of responders.
Young Citizen of the Year for 2026 is Cooper Holman who, despite personal health battles, achieved international success in golf and national success in kickboxing, serving as an inspiration for his grit and focus.
Local Hero Award – Community Group was Corowa Lions Club, which was honoured for its immense contribution, including donating $40,000 to vital causes this year and running the iconic Billy Cart Championships.
Corowa Lions Club was honoured as Local Heros for their immense contribution to the community.
Three Local Hero Awards – Individual were awarded to Mark Sutcliffe, for transforming a local dust bowl into a thriving community park; Anne Wescott, for her revitalizing leadership with the Local Health Advisory Committee and the CWA; and John Crothers, for his tireless advocacy for regional health and local hospitals.
Local Hero Award – Sports award went to Zachary Kerr, known as the "glue" of Oaklands sports, for his dedication to local cricket and football.
Special Judges Award – Inspirational Young Person is Isabel Carroll, recognised for nearly a decade of service to the Scouts and her work on the Youth Council.
“To our award nominees, your selflessness and the donation of your time and energy are what make our community extraordinary,” Cr Cook said.
“You are the heartbeat of this region.”
The ceremony also marked a major milestone for 13 residents who took their Australian Citizenship Pledge.
The new citizens originate from diverse backgrounds and were welcomed by Cr Cook and the community with a formal affirmation and the singing of the National Anthem.
Local students in the Federation Local Government Area were recognised for their performance, hard work, and success in academic or sporting fields over the past twelve months.
•Congratulations to the following students.
•Boree Creek Public School, Geoffrey Strong and Molly Hosie.
•Corowa High School, Hayley Galloway and Adeline Corbett.
•Corowa Public School, Jake Rhodes.
•Corowa South Public School, Georgia Beck.
•Lowesdale Public School, Charlotte Peterson and Bethany Sloman.
•Mulwala Public School, Xavier Davidson and Poppy Robinson.
•Oaklands Central School, Chloe Nixon and Bella-Rose Woodyatt-Mitchell.
•Rand Public School, Kailey McCall and Olivia McCall.
•St. Mary’s Primary School, Sienna Davis and Sonny Carpenter.
Corowa Town Crier, Roy Monty was on hand as one of Corowa’s great community traditions.
The day concluded with a community lunch provided by the Corowa CWA, the Corowa Girl Guides, and Whippin Up A Storm Bakery.
The success of the 2026 Australia Day celebrations was made possible through the dedicated support of Corowa Cougars Rugby League Football Club, Corowa Country Women’s Association, Corowa Girl Guides, Federation Youth Council, Rotary Club of Corowa, and Whippin Up A Storm Bakery.
Special appreciation is also noted for the Town Crier, Carol MacFarlane for the event's floristry and the Swag N Billy Bush Band for providing the musical accompaniment to the National Anthem.
The 2026 awards and ceremony were proudly assisted by the National Australia Day Council.
