Australia day in the Bogan Shire highlighted the words 'volunteer' and 'community' in its line up of nominees for 2025.

Australia Day Ambassador Allan Sparkes and wife Deb said they loved their time in Nyngan.

“To learn more about this community and the challenges they have faced was truly inspirational, especially the way the whole community banded together to try and save Nyngan from impending flooding in 1990, Mr Sparkes said.

“And what an honour to present various awards from Citizen of the year down to the Nyngan School colouring competition. I feel very fortunate to be the Australian Day Ambassador.”

Citizen of the Year

2025 Citizen of the Year Jodi Douglas - Image courtesy Olivia Ashton

Citizen of the Year, Jodi Douglas has made outstanding contributions to her community across numerous volunteer roles.

Life Member of Nyngan Swimming club, Coaching lady and junior girl golfers, founding member of the Nyngan Country Education Foundation, race day secretary for Duck Creek picnic races, announcer for showjumping at the Nyngan Show, team coach and manager for local netball, active involvement in school P&C fundraising and 16 years as a Bogan Shire Councillor.

“I don't know what to say but I am very humbled to be selected from such an inspiring group of nominees,” said Mrs Douglas.

“I do enjoy being active in our community as I feel it is a very special and friendly place.

“I am passionate about Bogan Shire and very proud and happy to live here. My suggestion for anyone is to get out and about in the community. Doing so you will find it gives back so much in so many ways,” she said.

Young Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year 2025 Gracie Griffiths - Image courtesy Angie White

Gracie Griffiths was awarded Young Citizen of the Year for her commitment to dance and her work across the community.

Gracie has represented Bogan Shire in Eisteddfods for Dubbo, Parkes, Wellington, and Bathurst, and performed in Dubbo and Bathurst as a representative of Nyngan High School.

Gracie was selected for the Western Dance Ensemble and performed at the Western Dance Festival, with their dance being chosen to perform at the State Dance Festival in Sydney.

Gracie is involved in sporting committees contributing to netball, league tag and NetSetGo, and was recognised as a positive role model for her peers and younger children in the community.

“Gracie takes pride in Nyngan and aspires to be a positive role model and was thrilled to be nominated and to receive the award,” according to mum Kristy Sheather.

Sportsperson of the Year

2025 Sportsperson of the Year - Courtney Watt - Image courtesy Australian Oz-Tag

Courtney Watt was recognised as an Australian Oz Tag Premier, highlighting her exceptional skills in the sport in 2024. She also received Player of the Match honours in the Women's Tri-Tag Grand Final that same year.

In 2024, Courtney was named Player of the Match at Walgett Ladies Day and co-captained the Bogan Bulls Women's Tri-Tag Premiers.

Mrs Watt has earned life membership in several community and sporting groups, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to helping community.

Courtney has been busy as the organiser of the Local Children’s Oz Tag Competition, and professionally, as a dedicated PE teacher at Nyngan High, where she inspires and educates the next generation of athletes.

"Thank you so much to the lovely person who nominated me, I feel really humbled.

"I enjoy sport and teaching, coaching and guiding others, so I certainly don’t do it for any accolades, but I am honoured and thankful to receive the award all the same,” said Mrs Watt.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Young Sportsperson of the Year - Elijah Bush - Image courtesy Fran Read 

14 year old, Elijah Bush has achieved remarkable success in showjumping and equestrian events. Representing NSW at the Pony Club Nationals, Elijah's team won, and he ranked 3rd overall in Australia.

With the most successful under-18 show jump rider title at Nyngan Show, Elijah was named the Junior Champion.

At the Coonabarabran Horse Expo, he placed 3rd and 4th in 105cm showjumping and earned multiple placings in other events.

He also placed 6th at the Sydney Royal Easter Show A-grade under-18 showjumping as the youngest competitor.

"Elijah's dedication and talent has been rewarded by receiving this award," said mum Angie Bush.

"Over the past year, Elijah has achieved incredible results, from receiving his rug for representing NSW at the Pony Club Nationals and placing third in Australia individually, to training two off the track thoroughbreds himself, and a sixth placing in the Under 18 A-grade Showjumping at the Sydney Royal Easter Show."

"Elijah's commitment extends beyond competition, as he frequently assists at Pony Club events when his horses are on a break," said Mrs Bush.

Elijah has big plans for 2025, expressing his gratitude to his coaches by saying "I wouldn't be here without them."

Community Event of the Year

Event organisers Kristy Sheather, Elyce Bennett and Rachel Matheson - Image courtesy Nyngan Christmas

The Nyngan Community Christmas event took out the community event of the year award.

Run by a trio of volunteer busy mothers, they brought the Christmas and community spirit alive in Nyngan with a fantastic free family event.

Months of planning provided the community with a festive celebration that brought the whole community together.

“We are humbled to receive this award,” said co-organiser Kristy Sheather on behalf of the group of Elyce Bennett and Rachel Matheson.

“We love nothing more than bringing the spirit of Christmas back to life in Nyngan. There is nothing better than looking around on the night and seeing so many smiling faces and pure happiness from all ages of life.

“Planning is already underway for 2025 and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better yet again. Thank you to the person who kindly nominated us, we are very humbled and honoured she said.

Sports Team of the Year

Sports Team of the Year 2025 Bogan Bulls Tri-tag team - image courtesy Bogan Bulls

Bogan Bull Women Tri-tag team took out the 2025 award for their outstanding contribution to the Bogan Bulls club and the Nyngan and Western Plains community.

The team were undefeated and won their maiden premiership in 2024.

Their success has inspired the community, and their show of sportswoman ship and teamwork has inspired others, and according to their nomination “their commitment has boosted the growth of the Nyngan Rugby Club, drawn large crowds to games, and encouraged players to stay in the area.

"As 2024 Western Plains Premiers and history-makers for their club and zone, the team has set a remarkable example for the region.”

One of the Team coaches Sarah Pearce was thrilled to hear of the award.

“The team is so deserving of this award,” she said. “To win a premiership in their inaugural year is an incredible achievement and it’s wonderful to see them recognised or their hard work.”

New Aussie Citizens

Nyngan also welcomed three new citizens Angeline Williams, Ralph Uy, and Mary-Ann Uy, who read their pledge in front of the Mayor Glen Neill and the community, and were given their citizenship certificates, to celebrate.