Snowy Valleys Council Australia Day Awards Announced
Published on 26 January 2025
Snowy Valleys Council has recognised its most inspiring individuals for their exceptional contributions and outstanding service to the region.
The 2025 Snowy Valleys Council Australia Day Award recipients were announced at a special dinner ceremony held on Australia Day eve, with invited nominees joining Councillors and dignitaries at the Batlow Literary Institute
Awards were presented across five categories:
- Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Citizen of the Year – Hannah Speers, Adelong
- Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Young Citizen of the Year – Hannah Rankin, Tumbarumba
- Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Sportsperson of the Year – Dylan Weir, Brungle/Tumut
- Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Environmental Citizen of the Year – Bindi Vanzella, Batlow
- Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Service to the Community – Cara Ironside, Batlow
Mayor Julia Ham said recognising and celebrating local heroes was a privilege, and she was delighted to honour those who go above and beyond to support and uplift others in the region.
“On behalf of the entire Council and our community, I wholeheartedly congratulate all the Awardees. Your hard work and passion are the driving forces behind our collective success," Cr Ham expressed.
“I would also like to commend every nominee for their remarkable contributions. Their dedication and service make our community a better place for everyone.
“Seeing so many dedicated individuals being acknowledged for their efforts highlights the incredible sense of community spirit we have here in the Snowy Valleys.”
The civic reception celebrations were made possible by funding from the National Australia Day Council’s Australia Day 2025 grants program.
AWARDEES AND CITATIONS
- Citizen of the Year - Recognises individuals aged 30 and over who have made an outstanding contribution to the Snowy Valleys community over many years.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Citizen of the Year – Hannah Speers - In October 2024, Hannah retired as president of the Adelong Community Enterprises, the owner and operator of the Adelong Post Office. During her years of leadership, she steered the organisation to great success through her inspiring vision and dedication.
Throughout her career, Hannah has served on numerous boards, including AGT Pty Ltd (Bendigo Community Bank) and ACE (Adelong Community Enterprises), always working tirelessly for the benefit of the Adelong community. She was instrumental in keeping the Adelong Post Office operational for many years, ensuring this vital service remained open. Hannah has also been deeply involved with the Adelong Cricket Association and played a pivotal role in bringing BlazeAid to town after the devastating Black Summer fires, overseeing their efforts throughout their stay.
More recently, Hannah has been a passionate supporter of Life Changer, advocating to introduce this program into local schools—a truly transformative initiative. Additionally, she served as the keynote speaker at the Region Rising Conference in Canberra, where she addressed the challenges facing small communities and the steps the government must take to support them moving forward—no small feat.
Hannah’s dedication to her community is unparalleled. She consistently goes above and beyond in her service.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Citizen Achievement Awards were awarded to:
Mathew Pearce - Matt is a highly dedicated and proactive member of the Adelong community, playing a pivotal role in numerous local committees that aim to enhance the well-being and growth of the area. He currently serves as the chair of AGT Financial Services, as well as an integral figure within Bendigo Bank Adelong, Gundagai, and Tumut. His leadership extends beyond these positions, as he actively contributes to the Adelong Community Enterprise, where he works collaboratively to strengthen local initiatives and support economic development.
In addition to these roles, Matt is a key member of the steering committee for the Adelong Main Street Flood Mitigation project, working tirelessly to ensure the protection and long-term sustainability of the town’s infrastructure. His commitment to preserving and improving the community is unwavering.
Matt’s selflessness and dedication are truly inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond in his efforts to serve Adelong, demonstrating an exceptional level of community spirit. His involvement in the Adelong Sculptures Trail is another testament to his passion for bringing cultural enrichment to the town, further showcasing his deep connection to the area and its residents.
Matt is always striving to make Adelong a better place for everyone. His contributions reflect a genuine desire to see the community thrive, and he continues to be a driving force in creating positive change.
John Scott - This nomination recognises Mr. John Scott for his outstanding and ongoing commitment to the Talbingo community. A “Quiet Achiever,” John is known for his friendly, helpful, and dedicated nature. He has significantly contributed to the community through his long-term service in the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and his volunteer work with the Talbingo Country Club (TCC).
John moved to Talbingo after working on the Snowy Mountains Scheme and became a respected community member, particularly known for his role as the local RFS Captain. He joined the RFS in 1994, at 79, he is the longest-serving RFS Captain in the Riverina Highlands District. John has made vital contributions to major fire events, including the 2001 Christmas fires, the 2013 fire season, and the Black Summer fires of 2019-2020. His leadership and local knowledge were critical during the Dunns Road bushfire that impacted Talbingo.
As Brigade Captain for over 23 years, John has led many responses to fires, accidents, and storm events. He has also been instrumental in training and recruiting new RFS members, ensuring the brigade’s capability to respond to local and regional emergencies.
In addition to his RFS service, John is a Life Member and former Vice President and President of the Talbingo Country Club, where he has volunteered for over 30 years. He maintains the club’s grounds, helps with essential operations, and contributes to community events. John was also the community-selected Australia Day Ambassador in 2024, a testament to his esteem in Talbingo.
John's tireless service to the community, both through the RFS and his involvement in the TCC, has made him a cherished and respected figure.
- Young Citizen of the Year - Recognising individuals aged under 30 years who have made an outstanding contribution to the Snowy Valleys community over many years and are inspirational role models.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Young Citizen of the Year - Hannah Rankin - Hannah is an exceptionally motivated, driven, and inspiring young woman. In April 2024, she participated in the Tumbarumba Rotary Club’s Tumba to Kokoda trek alongside 14 peers, demonstrating her dedication through consistent training and her pride in representing Tumbarumba.
Her commitment extends across a wide range of sports. Hannah has competed at the Riverina level for swimming, state-level cross-country events, and will be competing in athletics at the state level this September. She has been involved in school sports at both the Riverina and state levels for many years.
As a member of the local league tag team, the Tumba Greens, Hannah has been selected to play for the country team at the CAS Women’s League Tag Championships in Melbourne this September. Additionally, she is an inspiring young referee for the Tumbarumba Minor League and has been chosen to officiate at the Murray Cup Major League for both men’s and women’s teams. She has also been selected to referee the Minor League Grand Final in Wagga. Beyond officiating, Hannah volunteers her time to help with setting up and packing down at Tumbarumba’s home games.
Currently studying for her HSC, Hannah consistently demonstrates the ability to balance her academic and extracurricular commitments, showing that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. She is always ready to assist her peers in any way possible, embodying a strong community spirit.
In her free time, Hannah works as a lifeguard during the summer, enjoys horse riding, and cherishes moments with her family and friends. She is passionate about water sports in the summer and loves playing football in the winter. She also contributes to her family farm and hopes to pursue veterinary science at university next year.
Hannah's dedication, work ethic, and community involvement make her a truly inspiring individual.
A Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Young Citizen Achievement Award was awarded to:
Leo Peel - Leo has made remarkable progress in swimming, consistently demonstrating dedication and skill at numerous meets. As a member of the Tumbarumba Swimming Club, he has earned a variety of ribbons, medals, and personal bests. His commitment to improvement is evident in his achievements, and he continues to push himself to reach new goals. Leo's performance at meets has solidified his reputation as a hardworking swimmer, always striving for excellence in every race.
One of Leo's most notable accomplishments was being selected to represent the Southern Island Swimming Association (SISA) at the Brophy Swimming Meet in Canberra. This prestigious event provided Leo with the chance to compete against top swimmers, gaining valuable experience and exposure. Additionally, Leo has earned titles such as the TPS School Junior Boys Swimming Championship and the Highlands Junior Boys Swimming Championship. His success continued at the Riverina Swimming Championships, where he placed 2nd in the Individual Medley and 3rd in the 50m Butterfly, earning him the honour of representing both TPS and Riverina at the State Championships.
Leo’s determination to improve has been a key factor in his success. At Riverina, he shaved 10 seconds off his Individual Medley time and improved his 50m Butterfly time by milliseconds. He has also participated in JX Swimming Clinics, further refining his skills and gaining insight from expert coaches. Beyond his personal achievements, Leo always exemplifies great sportsmanship, showing respect for his competitors and giving his best effort in every race. His positive attitude and dedication make him a valuable member of the Tumbarumba Swimming Club, where he will continue to compete and strive for even greater success in the upcoming season.
Despite the closure of the Tumbarumba pool, Leo has maintained his training by attending weekly sessions at the Wagga Swim Hub. His passion for swimming is matched by his involvement in rugby league, where he plays for the Tumba-Batlow Minor League. In both swimming and rugby, Leo’s teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination shine through, making him a well-rounded athlete. As he continues to represent his community in both sports, Leo remains focused on achieving new goals and making the most of every opportunity.
- Sports Person of the Year - Recognises individuals who have achieved sporting success representing their club or association at regional, state level or above.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Sports Person of the Year - Dylan Weir - Dylan is a talented cowboy from Brungle Creek, originally from Tumut. Over the past two years, he has taken bull riding to new heights, claiming victory at the 2023 Xtreme Bull Tour and setting his sights on even bigger achievements in 2024. Currently, he is leading the Australia Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) Bull Riding title with over $40,000 in earnings, a record for a single bull riding season – an incredible accomplishment!
Dylan is now competing at the APRA Finals, where he will ride four bulls in an effort to secure the title and bring it home to Brungle/Tumut. At just 24 years old, he has become a role model for young people, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and focus, anything is possible. He has also been a mentor to the younger generation of bull riders, not only in Tumut and the Riverina but across the entire rodeo and bull riding community.
Along with his partner Tyla and their son Waylon, Dylan has travelled across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria to compete. At each event, Dylan’s name is synonymous with not only skill but also sportsmanship, earning recognition for Snowy Valleys as an area that produces exceptional talent and true gentlemen.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Sports Person Achievement Awards were awarded to:
Michael Schwab - Michael Schwab has been a steadfast and dedicated member of the Tumbarumba community for over 30 years, playing an essential role in shaping the local sports scene. His unyielding commitment to youth development and the promotion of local sports has left a lasting mark on the community.
From his early and ongoing involvement with the Tumbarumba Tennis Club—where he has held various roles such as treasurer, publicity officer, and project manager—Michael has been instrumental in organizing programs like junior tennis coaching. He has also single-handedly revitalized the night competition, managing it in its entirety. His efforts have been key to ensuring the success and growth of the club.
Michael’s dedication extends beyond tennis. He has been a driving force in youth cricket, coordinating regional activities and serving as the team manager for the Tooma Junior Cricket Club. He also lends his support to other teams in need, stepping in to assist where committee members may be stretched thin or lacking in specific skills.
Beyond his formal roles, Michael is widely recognized for his tireless work ethic, his ability to motivate and inspire young athletes, and his unwavering commitment to the community. His passion for sports and his generosity in giving back have earned him the admiration of local residents.
Fondly known as 'Schwabby'. His leadership, dedication, and enduring support for local sports have made a profound and lasting impact on the region.
Franklin School Girls Basketball Team and Tumut Public Boys Basketball Team Representatives - Franklin Public School Girls' Basketball Team have been nominated for their exceptional achievement in being crowned State Champions in the NSWPSSA Knockout. Competing against 262 schools across the state, they emerged as the best, an extraordinary accomplishment for such a small school. The team has demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the 2024 season, constantly striving to improve through regular training, accepting feedback, and displaying a "never say die" attitude. Their hard work and perseverance have led them to this impressive victory.
Together with the Tumut Public School Boys' Basketball Team, who also claimed a State Championship this year, these teams have showcased the strength of the Riverina and our town’s sports community. Their dedication, respect for the game, and passion have made the whole of Snowy Valleys proud.
The Tumut Public School Boys' Basketball Team deserves recognition for their outstanding achievement in 2024, where they not only claimed two prestigious State Championships but also completed an undefeated season across 19 games. Crowned PSSA State Champions, marking them as the best basketball team in NSW Public Schools for 2024. Building on that success, they went on to win the Basketball NSW Schools State Championship in November, defeating schools from all across the state to claim the Division 2 State Champion title.
Both teams’ successes are a testament to their exceptional skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, as well as their pride in representing their community.
- Environmental Citizen of the Year - recognises people who make a difference in their local communities through environmental efforts
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Environmental Citizen of the Year - Bindi Vanzella - Bindi has been a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and recovery in Batlow, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating fires. She has played a key role in organizing educational events to raise awareness about environmental issues and in leading initiatives that support the local ecosystem. As the leader of the Batlow Environmental Network, Bindi has worked closely with the Batlow Urban and Community Cooperative (BUCC) and other groups to enhance and restore the Reedy Creek area, fostering community involvement in conservation efforts.
In addition to her advocacy work, Bindi is a committed sustainable farmer, dedicated to protecting and improving her farm’s natural environment. She implements practices that minimize harm to local wildlife and waterways, ensuring that her farming activities align with long-term ecological health. Her focus on sustainability also includes the propagation and planting of thousands of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants.
These plantings serve a critical purpose: linking fragmented forest remnants with the farm’s wetland, which feeds into the Yaven Creek, a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River. By establishing this network of vegetation, Bindi has helped to restore essential habitats and create a more resilient ecosystem. The enhanced connectivity between these areas supports greater biodiversity, benefitting native bird, mammal, insect, and reptile populations.
Through her dedicated efforts, Bindi has seen remarkable improvements in the local ecosystem. The increased habitat has supported a significant rise in biodiversity, with native species thriving in the expanded and more sustainable environment. Her work not only contributes to the recovery of Batlow but also serves as a model for sustainable farming and conservation practices in the region.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Environmental Citizen Achievement Awards were awarded to:
FOGO Team – Joanne Jackson, Angela Ward and Jan Russell - Jo Jackson, Angela Ward, and Jan Russell are being nominated in recognition of their outstanding work at the Tumut Composting Facility. These dedicated women play a crucial role in transforming food and garden waste into high-quality compost that benefits the region's gardens and soil. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that contaminants are carefully removed from incoming organic material, allowing the compost to meet the highest standards. Despite working in all weather conditions, their commitment to sustainability and resource recovery is unwavering. Jo, Angela, and Jan are not only highly skilled composters, but they are also passionate advocates for best practices in waste management, always willing to share their knowledge and inspire the community.
They consistently go above and beyond their responsibilities, recovering plant cuttings from the FOGO pile to grow a small garden at the facility and ensuring that any reusable items are repurposed. They also take great care in identifying and dealing with contaminants to maintain the highest quality compost.
Jo, Angela, and Jan take great pride in promoting the mission of the Tumut Composting Facility. They are instrumental in raising awareness about the benefits of composting and supporting a circular economy, always approaching their work with kindness, respect, and a positive attitude. The feedback from residents who have participated in tours or discussions at the facility highlights the impact of their expertise and enthusiasm. Many, including the nominator, have learned valuable lessons about composting and waste management from their guidance. The compost produced by these women not only improves local gardens and farms but also contributes to reducing methane emissions from landfills, making a significant, lasting impact on the environment.
The efforts of Jo, Angela, and Jan are vital to the success of the Snowy Valleys Council’s food and garden organics (FOGO) program. It is clear that their hard work is integral to meeting the waste reduction targets outlined in the Snowy Valleys Council Waste Strategy. Their unwavering focus on quality and sustainability ensures that the composting process remains efficient and effective. The attention to detail they demonstrate in sorting contaminants and managing organic materials helps produce a valuable resource that benefits the entire community.
Tumut Landcare Nursery Representatives The Riverina Highlands Landcare Nursery was founded 25 years ago and has since grown into one of the largest community-operated nurseries in southern New South Wales. The Nursery’s primary focus is to provide local native plants for various Landcare and conservation initiatives. Volunteers propagate over 80,000 trees, shrubs, and understorey plants each year, all grown from local provenance seeds. These plants are carefully nurtured to thrive in the unique conditions of the local environment.
Beyond its role as a plant nursery, the Riverina Highlands Landcare Nursery serves as an interactive educational hub, encouraging community involvement in nature conservation. School students visit the Nursery to learn how to propagate native plants and gain an understanding of land stewardship. The plants they propagate are later returned to the school for planting, creating a lasting connection to the environment. Other groups such as Work for the Dole, Green Corps Teams, retirees, and students from TAFE and universities also visit to improve their propagation skills.
Funds generated by the Nursery are reinvested into the community, supporting a variety of Landcare projects. These initiatives aim to enhance native vegetation in ways that offer significant community benefits. Projects range from environmental efforts like bushfire regeneration and restoring threatened vegetation, to social projects such as improving community parklands and establishing bush tucker gardens. The impact of the Nursery’s work extends far beyond plant propagation, fostering environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.
The success of the Landcare Nursery is largely due to the dedication of its volunteers, who work tirelessly, rain or shine, to manage all aspects of its operations. From seedling propagation and order management to customer service and delivery coordination, volunteers play an integral role. The Nursery is self-funded, with minimal government support, and employs a full-time coordinator to oversee its operations. Through the hard work of its volunteers, the Riverina Highlands Landcare Nursery has become a vital community resource, making a meaningful impact on the Snowy Valleys region.
- Service to the Community - Recognises individuals or organisations who have made a noteworthy contribution to the Snowy Valleys community.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Service to the Community –Cara Ironside Cara Ironside is a dedicated community leader in Batlow, known for her quiet yet impactful contributions. Always willing to take on roles or launch initiatives that benefit her community, Cara has been actively involved in numerous local organisations and events. She has supported the local school and multiple sports clubs, some of which may not have survived in Batlow without her time, dedication, and hard work.
Currently, Cara serves as an Advisory Committee Member for the Batlow Amateur Swimming Club, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Batlow Netball Club, and an Assistant with both the Batlow Junior Cricket Club and Batlow Senior Cricket Club.
After the devastating 2019/2020 bushfires, Cara, along with other like-minded individuals, co-founded the organisation Do It For Batlow. Since its inception, the organisation has raised substantial funds to support projects that benefit the social, environmental, and economic well-being of the Batlow community. As the current Secretary of Do It For Batlow, Cara has led numerous initiatives, including:
- The first Do It For Batlow fundraising event, a cocktail party that raised over $8,000 for community projects.
- Stage 1 of the Origin Pathway, which honours the Batlow District Hospital and Drs. Tom and Doreen Hyder.
- Batlow Bites Dinner, which raised more than $10,000.
- Securing a grant to install a 5-Way Community Swing in Memorial Park.
- Upgrades to the CWA and Health and Wellbeing facilities.
- Organising numerous barbecues to fund community-focused initiatives.
While many recognise Cara for her professional role as the Manager of the Commonwealth Bank’s Batlow branch, it is her unwavering passion for Batlow and her commitment to enriching the community that will leave a lasting, positive impact on the town.
Snowy Valleys Council 2025 Service to the Community Achievement Awards were awarded to:
William O’Connell - Bill has been a dedicated and quiet contributor to the Adelong community for many years. He currently serves as a long-standing board member of the Adelong & Community District Bendigo Bank, an institution that supports a variety of local community and charitable organisations while also ensuring the continued growth and accessibility of banking services in the district. His steady commitment to the bank has made a significant impact on the area's development.
In addition to his role at the bank, Bill has been an active and valuable member of the Adelong Community Enterprises committee, which operates the Adelong Post Office. His efforts have been pivotal in modernising the enterprise’s corporate compliance and governance, ensuring that it remains well-positioned for long-term sustainability and effective service provision to the community.
Bill has also played a key role in the transformation of Adelong Country Creations Inc. into an independent cooperative. He helped guide the committee through the process of establishing the cooperative’s branding, governance structure, and compliance measures, providing essential expertise that enabled the organisation to flourish and operate more effectively.
Bill’s unique skill set has greatly benefited multiple organisations in the Adelong area. His meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have helped these groups build strong foundations, ensuring their continued contribution to the local economy and the wellbeing of the Adelong community as a whole.
Erin Nurthen - Erin is an invaluable member of the Tumbarumba community, known for her selfless dedication and extensive volunteer work. She actively participates in numerous local organisations, including Rotary, Interact, Harvest Haven, and the CWA. Her unwavering passion for supporting others is reflected in the many groups she contributes to, all aimed at improving the lives of those around her.
One of Erin’s notable contributions in 2023 was her efforts to re-establish the Interact Club, helping local youth to contribute to the community and ensure a safe and fun environment. Without the programs that Erin helps coordinate, countless local families and children would miss out on such enriching opportunities.
Beyond her work with youth organisations, Erin is deeply involved with Tumba Musos, a group that fosters the local music scene. This organisation brings together talented musicians and artists, offering a platform for them to showcase their skills. Through events like open mic nights, Erin helps create spaces for community members to connect, celebrate creativity, and enjoy the arts.
Erin’s tireless efforts and commitment to her community play a crucial role in strengthening the bonds that make Tumbarumba such a special place. Her leadership and passion for service not only enrich local organisations but also bring people together in meaningful ways, making a lasting impact on all who benefit from her involvement.
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