Forbes Shire residents who have made significant contributions or outstanding achievements to the community over the last 12 months have been recognised by being nominated for the Forbes Shire Council 2025 Australia Day Awards. The official ceremony at the Gala Dinner will start at 7pm and include the speeches from Mayor Miller and Australia Day Ambassador, Ange Clarke, and the presentation of the awards.
Young Citizen of the Year Nominees
Sam Mackay: Sam is a 23-year-old local stock and station agent who is heavily involved in the Forbes community.
Freya Hooper: Freya is an 18-year-old local who achieved equal first place in NSW for Primary Industries in the 2024 HSC.
Grace Barbary: Grace is an 18-year-old local girl who has achieved academic success at Forbes High School, Aurora College and the NSW School of Languages.
Isabella Brown: Isabella is an 18-year-old student who was awarded Dux of Forbes High School in 2024, achieving an impressive ATAR score of 92.75.
Annika Dukes: Annika, a 20-year-old local has worked at Life Pharmacy over the last two years, studying in a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensing.
Indrie O’Connell: Indrie, 12 years old, was elected as the first Youth Chairperson of the Forbes Youth Action Team, demonstrating leadership and commitment.
Senior Citizen of the Year Nominees
Bob and Freda Drinkwater: Bob and Freda have cared for their son, Scott, who is totally blind and needs care and assistance from them 24 hours per day.
Peter and Elaine Bright: Peter and Elaine are stalwarts of volunteer organisations in Forbes and are driving forces of the Forbes Lions Club.
Kevin Dwyer: Kevin is best known for his many years steering the ship for local community radio station Valley FM.
Lloyd Gerdes: Lloyd contributes significantly to the Forbes community by volunteering for a number of local organisations, including 40 years with Forbes Probus.
Helen Smith: Helen has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul in Forbes for over 20 years, helping locals facing poverty and making herself available to help people in need.
Citizen of the Year Nominees
Tami Hanley (Stewart): Tami is an integral part of the family business, Michael Hanley Funerals. She shows compassion and care, assisting families during emotional times.
Rosie Johnston: Rosie’s vision and enthusiasm have shaped the legacy of art and tourism in Forbes. She created the concept for Somewhere Down the Lachlan.
Jack Buckley: Jack is the owner and pharmacist at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes. He was awarded 2024 Pharmacist of the Year at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia Excellence Awards.
Donna Bliss: Donna has made a meaningful impact on the Aboriginal community of Forbes in her work at Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre and Binaal Billa Family Violence and Prevention Legal Service.
Tim West: Tim has played a pivotal role in developing programs for vulnerable and disconnected males in his work as the Forbes Location Manager for Boys to the Bush.
Maree Yapp: Maree is passionate about young people in the Forbes community, working as the Schools as Community Facilitator at Forbes North Public School.
Kim Muffet: Kim is well known in the local arts scene through his volunteer work with the Forbes Arts Society.
Keith Mullette: Keith has had a huge influence on the local art scene and the tourism economy in Forbes through his many years of dedication to the Forbes Arts Society.