Media Release: Warren Shire Council honours local heroes at 2026 Australia Day Awards Ceremony
26 January 2026
Warren Shire Council has recognised the contribution of outstanding locals and community groups at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating the people who strengthen community life through service, leadership and achievement.
The prestigious Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Junette “Nettie” Slade, honoured for her long-standing dedication to the Warren community and her commitment to supporting children and young people through volunteering, education and cultural connection.
Mayor Greg Whiteley said the Awards are a chance to recognise the local people and groups who give their time and energy to others.
“Nettie Slade is always ready to help — she supports our kids, she gives her time rain, hail or shine, and she is deeply committed to community and culture,” Mayor Whiteley said. “Every winner and nominee this year represents something powerful about Warren Shire — that we look after each other, and we take pride in the people who make our community stronger.”
2026 WARREN SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Citizen of the Year: Junette “Nettie” Slade
Young Citizen of the Year: Charlie Gale
Business House of the Year: Western Mowers and Pumps
Young Sportsperson or Sporting Organisation of the Year: Emily Wise and Drew Barnett
Sportsperson or Sporting Organisation of the Year: Matt Murphy
Young Achiever of the Year: Hayley Hall
Community Event of the Year: St Mary’s Parish School Open Garden Day Weekend 2025
Community Service: Warren Hospital Auxiliary
AWARD RECIPIENT HIGHLIGHTS
Citizen of the Year – Junette “Nettie” Slade
A respected local Elder and tireless volunteer, Nettie is known throughout Warren for going above and beyond to support others. She is a valued member of the Warren Lions Club and has served the community for many years through fundraising and volunteering, including selling raffle tickets rain, hail or shine.
Nettie also volunteers daily at Warraan Widji Arts, supporting children and helping young Aboriginal people connect with culture through dance and music. She has dedicated herself to passing cultural knowledge to young people, inspiring confidence, pride and belonging across the Warren Shire community.
Young Citizen of the Year – Charlie Gale
Charlie Gale was recognised for significant contributions to the community throughout 2025 through his leadership, humility and commitment to young people. Whether performing with the Warraan Widji Arts dance ensemble or supporting behind the scenes, Charlie takes a consistently positive and collaborative approach.
Charlie was selected for the Moorambilla Voices dance tutor team due to his ability to connect with children of all ages. He has led major performances including at Grow Festival and served as lead choreographer and dancer for Warraan Widji Arts at the Sydney Youth Orchestras Big Sky concert in May 2025. Charlie continues to contribute to major creative collaborations and is currently developing choreography for an outdoor cultural experience planned for 2026.
Community Event of the Year – St Mary’s Parish School Open Garden Day Weekend 2025
Held on 17 and 18 October 2025, the St Mary’s Parish School Open Garden Day Weekend attracted hundreds of visitors to Warren Shire, with seven families opening their gardens to the public and welcoming attendees from across the region.
The event raised funds for school playground renovations and involved months of planning and a significant community effort led by Jess Taylor, supported by a dedicated committee, school staff, students, volunteers and local businesses. The weekend featured coach tours, guest presenters, market stalls and talks across multiple venues, helping put Warren on the map for all the right reasons.
Young Achiever of the Year – Hayley Hall
Hayley Hall was recognised for outstanding achievement in dance and representing her community internationally. In April 2025, Hayley travelled to the United States with dancers from Kristen’s Dance Studio in Forbes, performing at Disneyland and Universal Studios in California, and participating in workshops with Disney and Millennium Studio in Los Angeles.
Sportsperson or Sporting Organisation of the Year – Matt Murphy
Matt Murphy has been involved with Warren Squash Club for more than 15 years and has served as President for much of that time. He has worked tirelessly to run competitions, promote participation and encourage players — particularly young players — and has supported renovations and upgrades to the club’s courts through grant applications and project oversight.
Young Sportsperson or Sporting Organisation of the Year – Emily Wise and Drew Barnett
Fifteen-year-old Drew Barnett was recognised for outstanding achievement in powerlifting after breaking four National records at the Capital Strength Clash in October 2025, including: bench press (130kg), squat (162.5kg), deadlift (240kg) and a total of 532.5kg.
Fifteen-year-old Emily Wise was recognised for exceptional achievements in rowing, including competing at the Henley Royal Regatta (United Kingdom) in 2025 and achieving a silver medal at the Australian Rowing Championships in 2025.
Business House of the Year – Western Mowers and Pumps
Western Mowers and Pumps was recognised for providing an important service to the Warren community through the supply, servicing and repair of pumps, mowers and garden implements, and for expanding its offering to include household gardening supplies including fertilisers, plants and seedlings.
Community Service – Warren Hospital Auxiliary
The Warren Hospital Auxiliary was recognised for its ongoing service and support to the local community and health services, reflecting the strength of volunteering in Warren Shire.
Council congratulates all 2026 award recipients and nominees.
“Thank you to the community for taking the time to recognise the people and groups who make Warren Shire a stronger, more connected place,” said Mayor Whiteley.
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For more information, please contact:
Gary Woodman General Manager, Warren Shire Council
Email: gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 6847 6600
Download a PDF of the media release.