A gymkhana group that gives back to the community was just one award recipient at Lachlan Shire's Australia Day ceremony last week.

Community members from across the Shire gathered in Lake Cargelligo at the Sail and Power Boat Club for a hearty breakfast before the commencement of the official Lachlan Shire Local Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.

After a smoking ceremony conducted by John Payne and a great rendition of the national anthem by local singer, Adam Kerezsy, the crowd was treated to a captivating Australia Day address by the Shire's ambassador, Kushaal Vyas.

Mr Vyaas is a former commercial lawyer and is a Clinic Supervisor & Solicitor at the WSU Justice Clinic where he leads community legal education initiatives to vulnerable community groups in Western Sydney and regional NSW. He is also the winner of the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Youth Medal and Australian Student Leader of the Year.

Besides the anticipated award ceremony, nine people received their Australian citizenship.

“This year it was terrific to see such a strong field of award nominations, and so many people at the event," Lachlan Shire Council Mayor, Cr Paul Phillips said. "Australia Day is a great opportunity to publicly recognise our locals for their contributions to the community and their achievements. We also welcomed nine new Australian citizens in a formal ceremony at the event”.

The Lachlan Shire Local Australia Day Award recipients for 2024 are:

• Citizen of the Year – Bonnie Merritt.
• Young Citizen of the Year – Jack & Joe Fitzgerald.
• Environmental Citizen of the Year – Robert Johnson.
• Australia Day Award for Community Service – Helen Atkinson.
• Event of the Year – Born to Read Condobolin & Milby Sports Gymkhana.
• Sportsperson of the Year – Elly Jane Ireland.

Long standing president of the Milby Sports Gymkhana, Terence Reardon said the committee had no idea who nominated them and were surprised and thrilled with the win.

"We've been running since 1952," Mr Reardon said. "But we missed the last three years due to Covid and then the floods. Our first gymkhana back from that was held last October."

The annual community event is held half way between Tullibigeal and Condobolin. What began as a simple horse race many years ago now features a range of horse events, steer rides and children's events and food and refreshments.

"We had around 200 to 250 people attend last year," Mr Reardon said. "Any money we raise goes to six different local charities. We get them to purchase something they need and we pay for it."

Lachlan Shire also welcomed nine new Australian citizens who migrated from India and the Phillipines at a citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

Allan Agtunong, Reena Vaniya,Parox Vaniya, Eesha Vaniya, Vasudev Vaniya, Joyce Tulod, Alvin Tulod, Atasha Tulod and Jayce Tulod were welomced to the community by Mayor Paul Phillips.

"Our new citizens will contribute their skills and cultural diversity to our local community, and enrich it through their hard work and participation in public life. For 75 years now, Australian citizens have been working together to build a strong, united and prosperous Australia,” Mr Phillips said.