Community unites for Australia Day

A leader with more than four decades of service to the Deniliquin community, who passed away last year, was celebrated as Edward River Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards on Sunday.

Mr Simpson’s extraordinary life and profound legacy was honoured with the prestigious award, which was accepted by his wife Shandra and his children Charlie and Lucy.

Edward River Council Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley said Mr Simpson’s community spirit and advocacy for the region made him a standout recipient.

“Bruce’s life and dedication to the Deniliquin community was tragically cut short last year, but his legacy lives on as a testament to his decency, courage, and tireless leadership.

“Bruce embodied the qualities of a true Citizen of the Year, showing us all the power of cheerfulness, respect and courage in building strong and vibrant communities.”

The day began with community members gathering in Civic Precinct, outside the Town Hall, for a free breakfast.

Official proceedings also started outside with Cr Crossley leading acknowledgement of country and a flag raising by fellow councillors.

The large crowd then made its way inside the magnificently restored Deniliquin Town Hall to continue the official proceedings.

Sing Australia and the Edward River Concert Band performed the Australian National Anthem at the beginning and entertained the crowd with ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ before the final awards were handed out.

Edward River Council’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador was former Pastoral Times manager and well-known local Garry Baker.

Mr Baker gave the Australia Day address, speaking about his journey over the past 15 years as an author and book publisher, including how this related to Australia Day.

The awards then began with the Sports Award which went to Matthew Thomas for his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to golf and the Junior Sports Award which was presented to Bonnie Everett for her contributions to Deniliquin basketball and netball.

The Arts and Culture Award was received by Jo Nathan, a highly talented artist, author, designer, and mentor whose passion for art and community has had a profound impact, particularly through her role as Wellbeing Art Paraprofessional at Deniliquin High School over the past four years.

The Junior Arts and Culture Award recipient was Piper Brown, an inspiring young First Nations woman whose remarkable contributions to the END FM youth radio station in Deniliquin have made a lasting impact.

Community Event or Initiative of the Year Award was won by the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee (Deni LHAC) and accepted by Lourene Liebenberg for its outstanding dedication to improving health literacy and outcomes in our local community through innovative projects and tireless advocacy.

The Community Group of the Year Award recipient was the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) and was accepted by Alison Thorne. Deni MHAG was awarded the honour for the more than two decades of championing mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and connecting the community to vital resources and support.

The Environmental Citizen of the Year - Bill and Elwyn Hermiston Memorial Award recipient was Andrew Jefferies. He is the driving force behind the Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge, and champions environmental sustainability by ensuring the responsible release of tens of thousands of fish back into the Edward River, as well as a commitment to preserving and improving the local ecosystem.

The Young Citizen of the Year was then awarded to Bonnie Everett for her dedication and service to her community and school.

The final award was Citizen of the Year to the late Bruce Simpson for more than four decades of contribution to the region in ways that spanned grassroots efforts to national initiatives.

There were deserving nominees across all the categories.

For more about Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Environmental Citizen of the Year, Sports Award and Junior Sports Award see pages 1,3,9,15 and 16.