Brewarrina Shire will come together on Monday, January 26 to celebrate Australia Day with a community awards ceremony and family activities at the Brewarrina Memorial Pool.

The 2026 Australia Day Awards will recognise individuals and groups whose achievements and contributions have strengthened the Brewarrina community, with residents invited to attend a morning of celebration beside the Barwon River.

Proceedings will begin with a free BBQ breakfast from 8am, followed by the official awards ceremony at 9am.

Inflatable slides and family-friendly activities will follow the formal program, providing entertainment for all ages.

The event will be hosted by Brewarrina Shire Mayor Tom Stanton, alongside Brewarrina’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador, Peter Orcher, a proud local with deep ties to the region and the wool industry.

Australia Day Ambassador: Peter “Orch” Orcher

Peter Orcher, affectionately known as “Orch”, is a respected figure in Australian agriculture and a long-standing advocate for Indigenous participation in the wool industry.

A proud Brewarrina local, Peter began his shearing career at just 17 years of age and quickly established a reputation across north-western New South Wales for exceptional skill, reliability and professionalism.

After being presented with Australia Day honours at Brewarrina last year, Peter Orcher will return as Brewarrina's ambassador for the 2026 awards.

Over several decades, Peter became a leading shearer and contractor, setting benchmarks for excellence and integrity within the industry.

His influence extended well beyond his own work, with his teams widely regarded as among the most skilled and dependable in the region.

As a contractor, Peter built highly sought-after shearing teams, many of them fully First Nations, creating employment opportunities and clear pathways for Aboriginal shearers.

His commitment to skills development, mentorship and pride in workmanship has had a lasting impact on individuals, families and communities across regional NSW.

In recognition of his outstanding career and advocacy, Peter was inducted into the Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame in 2024, joining an elite group of industry figures who have shaped Australia’s wool sector.

Cr Stanton said it is important to have local champions like Peter Orcher serve as Australia Day Ambassadors.

"Not only do they represent the spirit and values of our community, but they also inspire others by showing what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a genuine commitment to giving back," he said.

Mr Orcher was awarded Brewarrina Shire’s Senior Citizen of the Year at the 2025 Australia Day Awards, acknowledging his leadership, service and dedication to community empowerment.

Now serving as Brewarrina Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Ambassador, Peter represents the values of resilience, hard work and service that underpin rural and regional Australia.

His story reflects a lifelong commitment to giving back, creating opportunity and strengthening community connections.

Residents are encouraged to attend the Australia Day celebrations and take part in a morning that honours local achievement, recognises service and brings the Brewarrina community together.