Narrandera Shire Council are thrilled to announce the nominees for Australia Day 2024. These nominees embody the spirit of resilience, compassion, and dedication that make Narrandera a wonderful place to call home. Join us in honouring their remarkable achievements on 26 January 2024 at Lake Talbot Water Park for the awards ceremony from 8.30am to 10am.
Mayor Cr. Neville Kschenka is proud to celebrate the nominees for 2024, “The individuals and organisations that have been nominated for the Australia Day awards truly exemplify the spirit of our community, their passion and dedication have left a lasting impact”.
Organisation of the Year – 7 nominees
Binya’s Biggest Morning Tea
2023 Binya celebrated the 25th year of hosting the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea, held in May each year. The event usually includes a raffle, contests, a swap table, and of course, delicious homemade cakes, slices, and sandwiches. Local school kids even stop by for an early lunch break and enjoy the goodies and contests on offer.
The purpose of the Biggest Morning Tea is to raise awareness of the need for funds for cancer research, support the people affected by cancer, and provide an opportunity to bring the community together for a good cause. In total, they have raised more than $45,000 over the past 25 years to raise much-needed funds for research and support.
CWA Narrandera Evening Branch
CWA Narrandera Evening Branch is an active and engaged group that supports local events. In May 2023 the group hosted Narrandera’s first International Food Fair. The event was a huge one for the members and very well attended with overwhelming feedback including a mention in State Parliament by local member Steph Cooke.
Recently they received a donation of the Soroptimist Donut Trailer when the Soroptimists went into recess. This has allowed the group to attend several community events and increase their fundraising capacity. The additional fundraising has allowed the group to donate to local schools, op shops, and Narrandera Hospital Auxiliary.
Narrungdera NAIDOC Committee
The NAIDOC committee in Narrandera has been instrumental in promoting culturally significant events within the community. They have coordinated events such as an Australia Day Survival Day march, “For Our Elders” Awards Ball, and several NAIDOC week events. The committee is proactive in consulting with Aboriginal Elders and committees for ideas on how to improve governance, coordination, delivery, fundraising, and overall committee practices. They actively encourage the wider community to attend these events to promote culture and inspire non-Aboriginal communities to embrace Aboriginal Culture.
Fusion Narrandera
Fusion’s main strategy is to build people up, help people grow, and show people matter. It has been nominated by a customer that Fusion has supported. After taking over the Op shop from the Salvation Army six years ago, Fusion has grown into a valued service in Narrandera.
The services they provide include a real recycling centre for clothes and household items, sending excess clothing to Africa, providing families in difficult financial situations with clothing and items for the home, providing training for young people in retail, recycling training for school children, and providing both volunteer and community service opportunities to the wider community.
Inner Wheel Club of Narrandera
Narrandera Inner Wheel Club, formed 52 years ago, is a community-focused organisation that provides financial assistance to local, national, and international community groups. The club has two foundation members still active and has supported various local and international organisations, including the Narrandera Hospital Auxiliary, Narrandera Swimming Club, and the “One Girl” charity in Sierra Leone and Uganda projects. The club is part of one of the largest independent organisations in the world, with representation to the United Nations. In 2002, the Narrandera Rotary Club nominated the club for Volunteer Service Organisation of the Year. The club’s efforts have been recognised by the Rotary Club, who believe they deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to the community.
Narrandera Garden Club
The Narrandera Garden Club, established in 1978, has been running for 45 years and has held its 40th Town and Country Open Garden Day in 2023. The event, which is a major fundraiser for CanAssist, showcases six beautiful local gardens and donates over $10,000 annually. The club also hosts propagating days and holds monthly meetings at various gardens for social interaction and sharing gardening knowledge. The club’s Treasurer and Camellia Show Coordinator, Denise Di Salvia, is dedicated to the success of the event. The club also holds Friendship Day, where members from surrounding clubs come together for lunch and a guest speaker. The club’s membership spans a vast age group, ensuring that gardening knowledge and enthusiasm are passed on to new members.
The Brawl on the Bidgee Group
There has not been a boxing night in Narrandera for more than 50 years. The small Brawl on the Bidgee Committee talked about how great it would be to bring something like this back to the town, not realising what a huge task it would be, to make it happen. From obtaining a Boxing Promoter’s License, finding a doctor for the night, and the insurance nightmare to all the other logistics necessary.
But what an evening it was, The Brawl on the Bidgee was probably one of the best events for many years, with over 20 volunteers helping with duties such as the doors, bar, and kitchen. With 14 fights, 28 boxers, and trainers, most of whom stayed two nights, it certainly brought money to the town. Many of the boxing teams said they would like to come back and compete again; it was a fantastic event.
Environmental Citizen of the Year – 2 nominees
Peter Beal
Peter Beal has been an active volunteer for Narrandera Landcare Inc. for many years. He was an inaugural member of Landcare in 1998 and served in several executive roles before becoming President for seven years. Peter was instrumental in promoting various programs and activities, including the Narrandera Wetlands and Rocky Waterholes Bridge. He also worked with the community on Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Planting Days, and the establishment of the community gardens. Peter has supported Landcare involvement in flora and fauna surveys, tree-planting projects, and koala-proof fencing on the highway.
Lindsay Hayes
Lindsay has been dedicated to wildlife caring and rehabilitation for over 25 years, putting the needs of sick and injured wildlife before her own priorities. She has a nursery for young and injured joeys that she rears by hand and rehabilitates into the wild. She was recognised as a Wildlife Hero in NSW in 2017. Lindsay is well-known and respected among her peers and the wider community for her knowledge about wildlife health and what to do. She is the main spokesperson for wildlife in Narrandera and was a founding member of the Koala Regeneration Committee in the mid-1980s. In recent years, she has set aside some of her land for a Wildlife Conservation Area to provide refuge for threatened animals.
Disability Advocate of the Year – 2 nominees
Barellan CWA
During 2023 Barellan CWA has continued to advocate for the provision of adult changing facilities for the disabled, both in local communities and throughout the regional area. They have contacted local federal and state members of parliament, plus Narrandera Shire Council, stressing the need for suitable areas to provide dignity and privacy plus ease of access and comfort for community members living with a disability. Their appeal to CWA has resulted in a motion to Branch, Murrumbidgee Lachlan Group where the support was unanimous. Their motion was discussed in preparation for debate at the 2024 State Conference in Coffs Harbour. Their advocacy has resulted in positive responses from Leeton, Hay, and Narrandera Shire Councils.
The work is ongoing with the hope that “adult disability changing places” will become a policy at the New South Wales Country Women’s Association in May 2024. The aim is to allow people living with a disability to travel without discomfort and anxiety. Barellan CWA is working towards a change for the better.
Kurrajong Narrandera
Kurrajong Narrandera has made a big difference to local people living with a disability by encouraging participation and supporting clients to develop sporting skills allowing them to join local sporting competitions. By developing confidence by upskilling, the organisation has enhanced community sporting programs.
Advocating for inclusion Kurrajong has promoted awareness of how people living with a disability can contribute in a tangible way to community life. Promoting the motto “The world is your oyster, and we’re here to help you explore it!” they continue making a difference.
Young Citizen of the Year – 1 nominee
Eliza Fraser
Eliza Fraser is a mature student at Narrandera High School who has been an outstanding representative for the community. In 2023, she was a vice-captain at the school and led fundraising efforts for CanAssist. Eliza is a community-minded person who has volunteered her time to support many local events. She is an approachable and gregarious person who is a team player and an inclusive leader. Her positive attitude and caring nature have resulted in her being highly respected by students, staff, and community members.
Senior Citizen of the Year – 5 nominees
Brian Neill Payne
Brian has been involved in community organisations since childhood, organising fundraising events, being a member of the Narrandera Lions Club, and serving as Deputy Chairman of the Narrandera Hospital Board. Since 2016, he has been a valuable contributor to Community Transport, which provides access to public health services and social events. His selfless service to the Narrandera community continues.
James Knagge
James Knagge is a long-time resident of Narrandera Shire who has been an active member of various clubs and committees. He is known for his kindness and dedication to his wife, Edna, whom he nursed for many years before moving her into care. Jim was also a keen dancer and a caring neighbour who attends to his elderly neighbours’ gardens and spends quality time with them. He remains involved in the Catholic community and helps out where he can.
Jennifer Hopwood
Jennifer Hopwood has been nominated by the Narrandera District Garden Club for her outstanding service to the club. She has been a member for over 40 years and has held various positions in the club, including President, Vice-President, and Committee member. Jennifer is a passionate supporter of the club’s annual Charity Open Garden Day, propagating and potting up quality plants for the stall and donating funds raised to charity. She generously opens her garden for the event, hosts meetings in her garden, and is a great source of knowledge on gardening. Jennifer has also been a volunteer for many years and helped with setting up and selling raffle tickets for the Narrandera Camellia Show. The club is proud to recognise her for her commitment and outstanding service.
Mary Sutcliffe
Mary, a devoted Christian and organist, is a beloved member of the Narrandera community. She has been a regular visitor to nursing homes, bringing joy with the gift of music to residents and families. Mary’s dedication to the community extends beyond her parish, involving her time in various organisations supporting the Narrandera and Leeton communities. Despite recent surgery, Mary continues to contribute to the community.
Michael Bernard Batchelor
Michael Batchelor has an interest in horses and is an excellent rider. He purchased a “Waler” type of horse and found homes for 25 other horses destined for the knackery. Mick has helped build the Riverina Light Horse group and assists in the community of Grong Grong. He represents a genuine Australian through his leadership and involvement in society.
Citizen of the Year – 4 nominees
Barbara-Emma Andracchio
Barbara-Emma is a highly deserving candidate for this award due to her exceptional contributions to the Narrandera Community. She has made significant contributions to charity, volunteering for the elderly, and participating in nursing homes. Her commitment to community service has spanned over six years, demonstrating a sustained effort to make a positive difference. She also vigilantly watches over the vulnerable, working silently without seeking recognition. Barbara-Emma is also the sole procurator of the John O’Brien Museum, attracting visitors and promoting local history. Despite retiring from her high position in nursing, she continues to volunteer in various capacities with an unwavering commitment to contributing to the community’s well-being.
Brian Neill Payne
From an early age, Brian became involved with community organisations and has contributed to the community in a variety of ways. From organising various fundraising activities as part of the “Ambulance Younger Set” to being an active member of Narrandera Lions club for 25 years, from 1977 to 1992. From 1987 to 1996, Brian was a voluntary member of the Narrandera Hospital Board, where he rose to the position of Deputy Chairman taking an active part in sub-committees ensuring the hospital premises were adequately maintained and the environs attended to. From 2016 until now, Brian has been a loyal and useful person in Narrandera/Leeton Community Transport Service. His major contributions to community transport enable customers to access public health and professional services as well as providing social events for shopping events. Brian has given his time and selfless service to the Narrandera community for many years and will continue to do so.
Cassandra Jess
Cassandra Jess is a 34-year-old school administrator and a dedicated parent. She is the president of the Narrandera East Infants School P&C and holds a Certificate 3 in childcare. Cassie started swimming at 5 and has held numerous records throughout her career. She is the current coach of the Narrandera Swimming Club and a committee member. Cassie is also a local AUS Kick coordinator, arranging local games and training nights. She has been nominated for the Narrandera Rotary Club Employee of the Year award for 2023. Cassie is a registered first aid officer and frequently volunteers for sporting events, including the Narrandera Shire Council Slime Run in October 2023.
Michael Bernard Batchelor
Michael Batchelor, a skilled horseman and re-enactor, has helped build the Riverina Light Horse group which supports the history and heritage of Australia through re-enactments. He has a long line of family connections with Grong Grong and is community-minded, considerate, and teaches horsemanship skills. Michael’s involvement in the Light Horse Re-Enactment demonstrates his genuine Australian spirit and dedication to the country’s history.
