Celebrating community spirit at the 2025 Australia Day Awards

The Slim Dusty Centre came alive on Sunday, 26 January 2025, as the Kempsey community gathered to honour the exceptional individuals and groups who make the Shire a better place.  

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony showcased volunteerism, community spirit, and our newest Australian citizens.   

The day began with a community breakfast, after which attendees turned their attention to the official ceremony, jointly funded by Kempsey Shire Council and the National Australia Day Council Community Grants Program. 

This year marked a special milestone with the introduction of the inaugural Reconciliation Award, reflecting a commitment to fostering understanding and unity. The new award highlighted the incredible efforts of individuals and groups championing reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust. 

Kempsey’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador, Mark Morrison OAM, delivered heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, recognising their tireless efforts and significant impact. "To be nominated for your outstanding service to the community, through volunteering, building capacity and tireless commitment over many years is something I hope you all reflect on and feel proud of. Marrungbhu, for your gifts to our beautiful valleys. Please share your stories today to inspire others," Morrison said.  

In total, 32 nominations were received from the community, showcasing a wide array of community contributions. The Kempsey Australia Day Awards Committee faced the tough task of selecting winners from such an outstanding group.  

Mayor Kinne Ring expressed her pride in the calibre of the nominees, emphasising that each and every one of them is truly inspirational. 

Awards were presented across seven categories, as noted below.   

Lifetime Contribution Winners 

• Mary Button - a Ngaku woman, for her dedicated support for Aboriginal people, including as an educator at South Kempsey Public School, tirelessly supporting all students, and creating a cohesive atmosphere between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. 

• Evelyn Jacobs - for her significant contributions to Kempsey sporting organisations, including the Kempsey Basketball Association and Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club.  

Citizen of the Year Winner 

• Maree Tyne - for her efforts as a tireless volunteer and fund raiser for numerous Willawarrin community groups. 

Young Citizen of the Year Winner 

• Zailen Campbell-Cook - for his contribution to and leadership in the Melville High School community, both in the sporting arena and his all-round positive impact on other students.  

Community Group of the Year Winners 

• Dunghutti Stroke Group - for its work to raise awareness and educate the local First Nations community on stroke prevention and early response.  

• Rotary Club of Kempsey West - for their tireless work to raise funds for local organisations and individuals, supporting education for young people, and collaborating on community projects.  

Volunteer of the Year Winner 

• Geoff Clarke - President of the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct, for his work overseeing the transformation of the heritage district over the past five years.  

Reconciliation Award Winner 

• Vicki Taylor - a proud Dunghutti woman, for her work as a preschool educator, sharing Dunghutti language, and creating an environment where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people can connect on a deeper level.  

Local Hero Award Winners 

• Ian Bradshaw - for his contribution in both business and volunteer roles, including South West Rocks SES and educating the community about, and preserving local birdlife.  

• Tara Howard - for her quiet advocacy for Kempsey and local pride and constantly striving to make our community a better place.  

• Debbie Swanson - for her commitment to early childhood education, enriching cultural connection and access to Dunghutti language for the young people of the Macleay.  

• Krystal Smith - for her work improving youth financial literacy via her program for Mid North Coast high school students.  

• Willie Thompson - for his work to reduce the risk of people re-offending in the Macleay Valley, working with people in the out of home sector to support and guide them, as well as running men’s groups to help them through hard times.  

• Jan Wilkins - for her decades of local service including Scouts and SES, where her focus on the health and wellbeing of volunteers and people impacted by natural disasters, has helped save lives. 

Congratulations to all the 2025 winners and nominees. Click to see a full list of the 2025 nominees.