Australia Day Awards
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
