Community
27 January, 2026
Sue Peacock named Wollondilly’s Citizen of the Year
Sue Peacock has been named Wollondilly’s Citizen of the Year for her work in the Menangle community.
Sue Peacock has been named Wollondilly’s Citizen of the Year for her work in the Menangle community.
The announcement was made during Monday’s Australia Day celebrations at the Picton Botanic Gardens.
Mrs Peacock is a long-term Menangle resident and has been an anchor of the community for close to 50 years.
She is a quiet achiever whose compassion, dedication and leadership have left an enduring mark on the area.
“She is an inspiring person whose selfless efforts have enriched and encouraged others, made a positive difference to her village and helped to make Wollondilly an even better place,” Mayor Matt Gould said.
Robert (Bob) Fairley was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award while Troy Sitkowski was named Wollondilly’s Young Citizen of the Year for his success in trampoline sports.
Other 2026 winners were Elise Pardy (Disability Inclusion Award), the Warradale Men’s Shed (Local Hero – Community Group), Linda McCarthy (Local Hero – Individual), Caitlyn Halse (Sportsperson of the Year), Nicole Hanger (Achiever of the Year), Stephanie and Sean Powell (Environmental Citizens of the Year) and the Robin Davies Wollondilly Community Nursery (Community Recognition Award).
Mayor Gould congratulated all of this year’s winners and nominees and thanked them for “all the amazing work they do in our communities across the shire”.
Sue Peacock initiated the Menangle Community News in the 1970s and established the Menangle Playgroup in the 1980s.
As a founding member and current chairwoman of the Menangle Community Association, she has long advocated for Menangle’s community heritage, biodiversity and community voice.
Her leadership helped secure recognition of the Battle of Beersheba through the Menangle Road memorial and annual service.
She was instrumental in securing $1.5 million to rebuild the Menangle School of Arts Hall.
Her extensive community service has included volunteering at St James Anglican Church, organising the local Probus group, helping at Douglas Park School, instigating the Menangle Community Gardens and running local Salvation Army community Programs.
Mrs Peacock is also a co-organiser of the local Christmas Carols, initiated and coordinates Menangle’s Australia Day breakfast and community awards and previously served on council’s Menangle Hall 355 Committee.
She provides ongoing chaplaincy as a member of the Menangle Rural Fire Service.
Bob Fairley has enthusiastically stepped into a range of leadership positions throughout his life and has served as a captain of the Picton Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, chief cattle steward at the Picton Show, Master of Picton Masonic Lodge, president of the Picton High School P and C Association and president of the Picton Rotary Club.
He has also served as president of the St Mark’s Church REST Committee and was instigator of the Country Valley Dairy business.
Despite his advancing years and some health challenges, Bob continues to be involved in the community he loves.
“Bob’s contribution to Wollondilly is simply extraordinary,” Mayor Gould said.
“Over a lifetime of service and quiet dedication, he has given his time, leadership and heart to our community and truly represents the epitome of what community service looks like.”
Young Citizen of the Year Troy Sitkowski was selected as sole Australian male representative in Double Mini Trampoline to compete at the World Games in China last August.
He was also part of the Australian team at the Trampoline World Championships in Pamplona, Spain last November and helped lead the Double Mini Trampoline team to a silver medal.
Read More: Menangle, Wollondilly, Picton