Australia Day Award Winners
Australia Day 2026 Award Winners
LISA DALTON – Local Citizen of the Year
Lisa Dalton is a well-known and highly valued member of the Tenterfield community through her work at Tenterfield High School and Foodworks, and her tireless commitment to helping others. A passionate supporter of hockey and football, particularly the Panthers, Lisa is equally known for her generosity, encouragement and ability to notice when someone needs support.
On a personal level, Lisa has been a constant source of care and advocacy for family members navigating medical challenges. She brings this same compassion into the wider community, living by her simple but powerful belief: “Do what you can do — it all helps.” Lisa has a natural way of making people feel welcome, checking in on their wellbeing, and motivating others to get involved.
Her community contributions are extensive. She has supported farmers through fundraising and organising stock feed during fires and floods; assisted the Starlight Foundation Car Rally by providing meals and fundraising support; and played a key role with the Tenterfield Tigers Football Club through canteen work and fundraising that enabled team participation beyond the region. Lisa has also fundraised for the Kids with Cancer Foundation, been an active member of the Tenterfield Lions Club, helped organise Volunteers Day, and supported mental health initiatives including “R U OK?” Trees and training days.
Lisa’s kindness, reliability and quiet leadership have made a lasting impact on Tenterfield.
BROOKE EVERETT – Local Young Citizen of the Year
Brooke Everett moved to Tenterfield in 2014 and completed her HSC in 2024, distinguishing herself as a young leader through exceptional commitment to community service, inclusivity and advocacy. Throughout her schooling, Brooke balanced academic achievement with extensive involvement in student leadership, sport, public speaking, and community events including ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.
As a representative of her Multi-Categorical (MC) Class, Brooke proudly advocated for inclusion, showcasing her market stall business and assisting community groups such as the Lions Club at fundraising events. Her volunteering extended to the Tenterfield Railway Museum, Haddington and Millrace care facilities, where she dedicated time to bringing connection and joy to older residents.
Brooke has also demonstrated strong faith-based leadership as both a Junior and Senior Youth Leader, mentoring younger members of her church. She has been actively involved in the Tenterfield Physical Culture Club for many years and enjoys Boccia, quilting, sewing and gardening. Alongside her studies and volunteering, she gained employment at the Bohemian Café and completed TAFE training.
A standout achievement is Brooke’s co-founding of SUSTain, a not-for-profit start-up space supporting people with disabilities and neurodiversity. From board formation to public advocacy and business training, Brooke has helped build a more inclusive Tenterfield. She has recently completed mentoring to launch her own cleaning and gardening business, continuing her journey of leadership and empowerment.
As put by her nominators:
“Brooke exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding young citizen through her consistent demonstration of leadership, compassion, inclusivity, advocacy, and community service, she has shown remarkable dedication to making Tenterfield a more inclusive, connected and vibrant community”
AUSTAN WINTER – Urbenville Local Citizen of the Year
The contribution Austan makes to the Urbenville community goes far beyond his formal duties. He consistently goes above and beyond to support the presentation, upkeep, and pride of the Urbenville township, often volunteering his own time to complete additional tasks that benefit the whole community.
Austan has been a dedicated and valued member of the Urbenville SES for the past seven years. His commitment to local emergency services demonstrates his strong sense of responsibility, reliability, and service to others.
In addition to his community and SES work, Austan is always willing to lend a hand to residents who need help — whether it’s computer issues, practical support, or general assistance. He is known for his generosity, kindness, and willingness to step in whenever someone needs help.
Austan’s ongoing dedication, community spirit, and willingness to serve make him a highly deserving candidate for recognition this Australia Day.
AVA MITCHELL – Local Sportsperson of the Year
Ava has grown up in Tenterfield, completing her Primary education at St. Josephs Primary School and is currently studying year 12 at Tenterfield High School, while working at the Tenterfield Swimming Pool and local retail Store, the Reject Shop.
Ava’s sporting achievements include:
- 2020 St Joseph’s Primary School Sports Captain
- 2021 – 2024 Tenterfield High School Student Council Representative
- 2022-2024 Dance Instructor at Live, Dream Dance Tenterfield
- Tenterfield Touch Football Junior Coach
- Tenterfield Tigers JRL Referee
- Tenterfield Tigers JRL League Safe
Ava’s involvement includes:
- 2026 Tenterfield High School Captain/Leadership Team
- Tenterfield High School Senior Sports Woman of the Year
- Thomas George School Spirit Award
- Learn to Swim Instructor at Tenterfield Swimming Pool
- Tenterfield Touch Football Referee
- Refereeing and assisting with Sir Henry Pakes Memorial Public School Touch Football Carnival
- Representing Tenterfield High School at Remembrance Day
- Assisting with Tenterfield High School BBQ at Christmas Late night shopping
- 2025 NSW Emerging Rugby League Academy Camp
LISTON HALL CENTENARY CELEBRATION – Local Community Event of the Year
On the 15th of November 2025, The Liston Community came together to celebrate the 100 years of the halls existence. The Hall Committee Inc. completed a lot of background work to ensure the descendants of the original hall committee to be invited to join the community for the centenary celebration and for it to be a wonderful reunion to many at the same time filling the hall with memories, laughter & dancing to the live music with approximately 160 people attending the function.
To complete the week of celebration, the following Saturday, 22nd November 2025, a Trivia night was also held in the hall with a well-received attendance.
This successful event was the combination of the Hall Committee Inc. and the local communities, enthusiasm and many hours of hard effort, their reward being the fantastic night enjoyed by everyone who attended.
BARNEY DOWNS RURAL FIRE BRIGADE, RFS. – Emergency Services Volunteer Group of the Year
Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade, RFS, have consistently supported the community in the Tenterfield area and have shown their dedication often working all day and all night for the safety of our community.
Barney Downs Rural Fire Brigade, RFS, continued excellence and service to the Tenterfield Shire Community across multiple disaster and rescue situations attending bushfires and motor vehicle accidents. Providing communications to the public via social media.
Australia Day 2025 Award Winners
Citizen of the Year Award – Dr Brian Pilgrim
For his longstanding and unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the Tenterfield community and his exceptional local contributions in the field of general practice. His dedication to ongoing professional development and learning has resulted in an exceptionally high level of care in the many areas covered by General Practice and Family Medicine. Dr Pilgrim’s genuine care and concern for his patients extends beyond the confines of his office practice and his efforts to improve his patients cardiovascular care has powerfully and positively impacted many patients and saved many lives.
Community Event of the Year Award – Westpac Helicopter Tenterfield Volunteer Support Group Charity Golf Day and Charity Auction
In 2024 the Charity Golf Day and Charity Auction raised $75,000 reportedly the single biggest fund raising golf day in NSW, a fantastic result for a small community. The Charity Golf Day and Charity Auction has been held annually over recent years, raising funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service which provides life-saving aeromedical and rescue services in the NSW New England and Northern Rivers regions and beyond. The major sponsor of the event is Tenterfield’s Townes group of companies, with special mention to Michael Townes and to Dean Hynes, Manager of the Tenterfield Golf Club. This charity golf day and auction raised 50% of the yearly total of funds collected which continues to grow each year. In 2024 the Westpac Helicopter Tenterfield Volunteer Support Group raised $150,000, with support from the Tenterfield community, on a ratio of dollars raised per head of population within the community being the highest within the 30 support group areas, with total contributions since 2015 totalling $700,000.
Emergency Services Volunteer Award or Group Award – Container of Dreams
Container of Dreams is a humanitarian charity that extends a helping hand to those in the aftermath of disasters offering innovative micro-housing to individuals facing displacement. Volunteers attend 2 days each week to build tiny houses for those in need, fostering resilience and community empowerment and conduct regular workshops aimed at equipping community members with skills and knowledge, creating a foundation for self-sufficiency and growth. Container of Dreams also operate the Mobile Community Kitchen Disaster Response Unit. Container of Dreams is based at Drake and members continue to construct tiny houses for fire and flood victims.
Sports Person of the Year Award – Lara Condrick
Lara is 16 years of age and has been a national competitor in Physical Culture since the age of 8. In 2024 Lara was made an associate with Tenterfield Physical Culture Cub and officially joined the teaching team assisting the Head Teacher in demonstrating syllabus and in training students. Lara has a genuine affection and commitment to the students, the club and to the sport. In 2024 Lara was in the top 15 for the Australian Finals in her age group held at the Sydney Opera House, representing her club with confidence
