Coonamble Shire Council has Australia Day operations in full- swing with the Coonamble community eagerly preparing a jam- packed program for what will be an Australia Day to remember.

Coonamble Shire Council's Acting Manager of Economic Development and Growth said Coonamble's Australia Day program is "the first of its kind".

"This year our program will incorporate a Citizenship Ceremony for three adults and one child. It is very exciting to incorporate a citizenship ceremony into the program this year," Mr Levick said.

"The Coonamble Australia Day Award ceremony will begin at 8am with Rotary Club of Coonamble serving breakfast, with delicious treats cooked and served by Coonamble Country Women's Association (CWA). A smoking ceremony will also take place by Joshua Toole at BlakFit Fitness, as well as the presentation of scholarships by the Coonamble Country Education Foundation" he said. 

Coonamble's Australia Day ambassador this year is Paul Featherstone, well- known for his dedication to perfecting his skills in the recovery and care of people in life threatening situations, placing his own life at risk on countless occasions in order to save the lives of others.

Paul has 35 years of experience on the front-line. 

Joining the NSW Ambulance Service in 1972, Paul pioneered the Ambulance Service’s acclaimed Paramedic system in 1976.

He conceived and developed the Special Casualty Access Team in 1986, and has since been a team leader in developing patient access methods and high levels of care under hostile environments.

He has been recognised for his efforts, being awarded the recipient of the Ambulance's highest award for bravery twice, the distinguished Service Medal, the Australian Bravery Medal, the Humane Society’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals, Prince Phillip Helicopter Rescue Award and the Ambulance Service Medal as part of the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honour List.

Paul has also been honoured as 2007 Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year and has been an Australia Day Ambassador since 2007.

ABOVE: 2023 Ambassador for Coonamble, Paul Featherstone has been both nationally and internationally recognised for his front- line efforts and bravery. PHOTO: Supplied.

Following the events of the morning and speech by ambassador Paul Featherstone, the annually anticipated Australia Day Awards will take place.

Coonamble Australia Day award nominees include:

Citizen of the Year (13 nominees)

Robyn Hull

Gemma Jordan

Terence ‘Eccles’ Lees

John Lewis

Toni Murie

Kylie Parry

Anthony ‘Tony’ Smith

Carol Stanley

Paul Wheelhouse

Wendy Wrigley

Norman Fulmer

David Thompson

Nathan Thurston

Young Citizen of the Year (2 nominees)

Lane Lewis

Josef Smith

Community Group of the Year (1 nominee)

Coonamble Domestic Violence Collective

Sportsperson of the Year (over 18) (3 nominees)

Tyne Chapman

Hannah Towns

Kane Wiggens

Junior Sportsperson of the Year (under 18) (1 nominee)

Isobel Macrae

Community Event of the Year (1 nominee)

Classics Out West