Fourteen of Junee’s finest nominated for Australia Day honours

JUNEE’S 2026 Australia Day Award nominees have been unveiled, recognising a diverse group of individuals and community organisations whose dedication, compassion and achievements continue to shape and strengthen the town.

The annual awards celebrate those who have made a meaningful impact on the Junee community, whether through sporting excellence, voluntary service, cultural contribution or quiet acts of generosity that often go unseen but leave a lasting impression.

This year, 14 nominees have been named across five categories, reflecting the depth of talent, commitment and community pride found across the shire.

Community champions and tireless volunteers

The Citizen of the Year category features six exceptional locals whose contributions have helped make Junee a more connected and caring place.

Among them is long-time Can Assist volunteer Natalie Phillips, whose generosity and dedication have supported countless families through incredibly difficult times.

Citizen of the Year nominee, Natalie Phillips | Photo: Supplied

She has also played a key role in Junee’s business and events scene, contributing to Junee Business and Trades, Christmas on Broadway and the former Rhythm and Rail Festival.

Each Christmas Day, Natalie and her husband give up their time to prepare and serve meals at the Open Kitchen, creating a safe and welcoming space for those in need.

Also nominated is local journalist and founder of The Junee Bulletin, Jaydan Duck, whose dedication to community storytelling and service has profoundly enriched the town.

Citizen of the Year nominee, Jaydan Duck | Photo: Supplied

Beginning at just 14 with fundraising efforts after the Jail Break Inn fire in 2006, Jaydan quickly developed a career in journalism, producing work for local and national media while honing his skills interstate.

Since returning to Junee in 2019, he has built one of the region’s most engaged free digital news platforms, providing vital local coverage, promoting events, supporting businesses, and preserving the stories that shape the town’s identity.

A lifelong local, Jaydan also volunteers with events such as the Junee Poker Run & Blues Night, helping raise funds and awareness for important local causes.

Citizen of the Year nominee, Debbie Ashton | Photo: Supplied

Debbie Ashton has been nominated for her lifelong dedication to animal welfare through her initiative, Deb’s Cat De-Sexing.

Using her own resources, Debbie rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes stray and abandoned cats across Junee and beyond. She travels far and wide to save dumped or unowned kittens, many from pounds, giving them a second chance.

Her compassion extends to people too. Quietly and without fanfare, she supports neighbours through illness and hardship, always ready to help.

Also recognised are Derek and Rita Broad, whose decades of community service have left a lasting legacy.

Derek, a Vietnam veteran and retired train driver, is active with Legacy and volunteers extensively at the Roundhouse Rail Museum.

Citizen of the Year nominees, Derek & Rita Broad | Photo: Supplied

Rita, a former Highland dance teacher and founding member of Can Assist, continues to lend her time and energy to a wide range of community causes.

Together, they are always the first to put up their hands when help is needed.

Rounding out the category is Nicole Baldry, who has turned personal heartbreak into powerful advocacy.

In memory of her son Henry, Nicole has led ongoing fundraising and awareness efforts for the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

Citizen of the Year nominee, Nicole Baldry | Photo: Supplied

Nicole also works as a support officer at Junee High School, coaches junior soccer, and assists her sister in fundraising for infant and baby loss support.

Her strength, compassion and tireless energy continue to uplift the community.

Powerful teams and creative communities

The Team of the Year category celebrates the collective impact of local groups whose combined efforts have made a meaningful difference.

Henry’s Heroes, led by the Baldry family, have once again been recognised for their unwavering commitment to the Mito Foundation.

Photo: Supplied/Nicole Baldry

This year was the team’s ninth completing the Bloody Long Walk, with Nicole, Angus and George each receiving national awards for their efforts.

Nicole also authored a children’s book about grief, which has been donated to schools and childcare centres across the district.

Small but mighty, Illabo Public School has also earned a nomination after a standout year.

With just 12 students, the school won the Black Billy Cup swimming carnival, earned state athletics relay medals, and claimed a second consecutive gold in the Small Schools Touch Knockout.

Beyond sport, the students hosted a morning tea for the Light Horse Brigade and proudly represented their village on ANZAC Day.

Team of the Year nominee, Illabo Public School | Photo: Supplied

The Junee Golf Club Volunteer Team has been praised for their tireless work behind the scenes.

This group of dedicated retirees maintains the greens, fairways and grounds up to four times a week, ensuring the course remains safe and inviting for members and visitors.

Their quiet dedication is a perfect example of community spirit.

Team of the Year nominee, The Junee Golf Club Volunteers | Photo: Supplied

In the Arts and Community category, the Illabo Melodrama Group has been nominated for more than 20 years of theatrical and cultural contribution.

Made up of volunteers from Illabo, Eurongilly and Junee, the group brings people together through bi-annual performances, while also supporting local fundraisers through catering and event assistance.

Their work fosters pride, connection and creativity in the rural community.

Arts and Community nominee, Illabo Melodrama Group | Photo: Supplied

Young changemakers and sporting stars

The Young Citizen of the Year nomination belongs to one remarkable individual — Madison Hazell, a student at Junee High School.

Madison has earned her place as one of Junee’s most accomplished young leaders.

A silver medallist at the 2024 national lawn bowls championships, she has represented her state and club with distinction.

Beyond her sporting success, she’s used her platform to push for gender equality in bowls, gathering more than 5,000 petition signatures and earning a seat on the NSW State Junior Committee.

She also serves on the Junee Youth Council, has excelled academically as school dux, and was school captain in 2025.

Young Citizen of the Year nominee, Madison Hazell | Photo: Supplied

The Sports Award is stacked with young talent, including returning nominee Rylee Henderson.

The Year 10 student has had another phenomenal year across four codes, playing league tag for Junee Diesels, and AFL and rugby union for Temora.

She represented Australia in rugby union tours to Japan and New Zealand, and is set to travel to Europe in 2026 with the Australian Wanderers AFL team.

Rylee also earned selection into the GWS Giants Academy, ACT Brumbies and Canberra Raiders development squads.

Her ability to balance elite sport, school and work makes her a standout role model.

Sports Award nominee, Olivia Burton | Photo: Supplied

Also nominated is Olivia Burton, a rising star in the pool.

Olivia has represented her school, zone and the Riverina at major competitions, including the NSW PSSA Championships and Speedo Sprints Finals.

In 2025, she brought home bronze in the 50m breaststroke and has since qualified for the 2026 NSW Youth State and Country Championships.

Olivia trains with the Junee Swimming Club and was selected for Swimming Australia’s Junior Talent Identification Program.

Completing the category is George Baldry, a team-first footballer with the Junee Soccer Club.

Sports Award nominee, George Baldry | Photo: Supplied

George regularly stepped up to play in older age groups and was named Wagga Wagga Football’s Under-13 Player of the Year.

He also earned selection in the 2025–26 SAP program with the Wagga City Wanderers.

More than just a skilled player, George is known for supporting younger teams at training and encouraging others on and off the field.

Celebrating the heart of Junee

From the swimming pool to the stage, from quiet kindness to national recognition, this year’s nominees reflect the true heart of the Junee community.

Their stories of service, resilience and inspiration will take centre stage at the Athenium Theatre during the official Australia Day ceremony on Monday, January 26.