Community
28 January, 2026
Yass Valley celebrates the achievements of many
Yass Valley Council has celebrated the achievements of a number of individuals and community groups who continue to make the Yass Valley a stronger, kinder and more vibrant place.
Yass Valley Council has celebrated the achievements of a number of individuals and community groups who continue to make the Yass Valley a stronger, kinder and more vibrant place.
These year’s Australia Day Award winners were announced at a function in Coronation Park on Monday.
Phil Gaden was named Citizen of the Year for his quiet leadership and long-standing contribution to Gundaroo and the wider Yass Valley community.
He has been involved with the Scouts and the Bellmount Forest RFS and has also helped care for the community’s war memorials
Sue Farnham was named Senior Citizen of the Year for than 50 years’ of service, mentorship and community leadership while Lilly Chatwin was named Young Citizen of the Year for her outstanding leadership, volunteering and positive impact – demonstrating the power of youth in the Yass Valley community.
Sue has secured vital community grants, has supported local projects and has lifted the people around her with care, skill and resilience.
Lilly has been described as an exceptional young leader whose dedication to mentoring others, volunteering with the Rural Fire Service and representing youth through council demonstrates outstanding service to the community.
Evangelique Aniversario was named Sportsperson of the Year for her exceptional talent, leadership and inspiration both on and off the field.
Kirsten Pack was named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless dedication, generosity and service to multiple Binalong organisations.
The Yass Irish and Celtic Music Festival was named Event of the Year for bringing music, culture and community together in a vibrant celebration of heritage.
The award for Community Group of the Year went to the Yass Swim Club for its volunteer-led programs, its community impact and its dedication to families across the Yass Valley.
This year’s Mayoral Community Essential and Emergency Service Award went to the Yass RSL Sub-Branch for its on-going commitment, service and support to veterans, families and the wider Yass Valley community.
The Mayoral Special Australia Day Award went to Johnathon Alley and his grandfather Peter Alley for their outstanding service and dedication to the NSW Rural Fire Service, spanning generations of commitment to community safety and resilience.
This year’s Australia Day ambassadors for the Yass Valley were Ben and Marina Maguire.
They were awarded the honour “for proudly representing the spirit of Australia Day and inspiring our community through their leadership, commitment, and passion for celebrating what it means to be Australian”.
Read More: Yass, Southern Highlands