Australia Day Ceremony 2026

Come and join in the 2026 Australia Day celebrations at Rylstone Memorial Hall.

The day will begin with a free barbecue breakfast from 8am followed by the official ceremony at 9am.

FREE entry - family friendly event with local entertainment.

The ceremony will be live-streamed on Council's Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Australia Day Awards will be presented to residents and community groups in 6 categories.

Citizen of the Year: A person (over 25 years) for contribution to the community, taking into account individual acts of compassion, generosity, bravery, or other similar characteristics. Nominees: Dr Ala Ali, Skye Bradford, Jacqueline Bucan, Deb Johnston, Alan Kerr, Robert Meers, Carol Morrisse, Sharon Winsor, Caroline Sabin, Rebecca Saunders, John and Cheryl Stuart, Patricia (Trish) Wells and Yash Godbole.

Young Citizen of the Year: A person (aged 16-25 years) for contribution to the community or other significant achievement/s. Nominees: Ellie Rowlands, Taleah Kelloway, Teegan Reynolds, Thomas Rogers and Thomas Sebelic.

Community Event of the Year: An event which contributes to the community in some way or raises the profile of the Mid-Western Regional Council. Nominees: Gulgong Heart Month. Kandos Street Machine and Hot Rod Show 2025. Mid-Western Emergency Services Expo. Mudgee and District Bikers 41st Toy Run. Mudgee Lions/Glencore Community Firewood Project and Mudgee Running Festival.

Glen Johnston Memorial Award – Arts & Music: A person of any age who has made a contribution to the arts or music community in any field whether by participation or administration. This is intended for non-professionals. Nominees: Yofrendy Cliffe and Belinda Inness

Sports Award: A sports person (of any age) taking into account performance, approach to sport or contribution to the advancement of sport. Noiminees: Angus Kelly, Ania Cole, Catherine Mottershead, Ella Martyn, Halli O'Brien, Kerry Reynolds, Lucy Walsh, Maree Loane, Mckayla Grobler, Oskar Sander and Sophie Perini.

Volunteer Services Award: A person or group who volunteers their time and energy in ways that benefit our community as a whole, or individuals in our community. Nominees: Pam and Chris Bellhouse, Mark Cummins, Tracy Cooke, Barry Deane, Jacob Kiely, Brian Neaves, Anthony O'Toole, The Rotary Club of Rylstone Kandos, Colleen Yates, Toni Wood and Twin Town Players.