After this year’s Australia Day Ceremony, it’s impossible to say that Warren isn’t overflowing with remarkable citizens and businesses who are all working tirelessly to improve the lives of others.  

Warren Shire celebrated the impact of these citizens and businesses with a presentation of the 2023 Australia Day Awards on Thursday 26 January. 

Mayor of Warren Shire, Councillor Milton Quigley, said the volume and calibre of nominations received this year are reflective of the talent and dedication of the Warren Shire community. 

“We had a great number of nominations for this year’s Australia Day Awards, which goes to show how involved and accomplished our locals are,” says Mayor Quigley. 

“There were a number of worthy recipients nominated for each category, all of whom have made a valuable contribution to our community.” 

This year’s highly anticipated Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Dr John Burke for his foresight, drive and commitment to restoring the former Colliers Tyre Service into a museum and gallery space for locals and visitors to enjoy. 

“Dr Burke has played an instrumental role in the restoration of the former Colliers Tyre Service into a museum and gallery space,” said Mayor Quigley 

“As Project Coordinator, Dr Burke’s tireless commitment to the project has created something for all of us to enjoy – both now, and for generations to come,” he said.   

(L - R) Citizen of the Year nominees; Mrs Alison Ruskin Rowe, Mr Greg Kentwell, Citizen of the Year; Dr John Burke, and Australia Day Ambassador; Mr Keith Potger AO.

But Dr Burke’s achievements are just a drop in the ocean for the Warren Shire. 

Kat Porter was awarded Business House of the Year for The Rural Trader in Nevertire; a boutique shop constructed in the ‘Old Bell’s Store.’

Unfortunately, a storm in November 2020 caused damage to it’s structure and her dream was halted temporarily.

A year later, Kat went on to win the Buy From The Bush Big Break ‘People’s Choice Award’, allowing her to finish the necessary renovations and repairs, and turn the building into a fully functional, boutique shop. 

Now, The Rural Trader is the perfect spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a coffee and a snack while browsing the stunning clothing, gifts, jewellery and homewares on offer. 

Kat Porter was awarded Business House of the Year for The Rural Trader in Nevertire. SOURCE: Buy From The Bush

Warren Shire also appear to be succeeding on the sporting field, with the Sportsperson of the Year being awarded to two candidates; Tim Whiteley and Jo Noonan, while Powerlifting dynamite Nicholas Christian took out Young Sports Person of the Year.  

Young Nicholas competes as part of the World Raw Powerlifting Federation, meaning that - other than free weights -the only equipment he uses are straps to support his knees. 

At just 14 years old, Nick has already completed a 100kg squat, 60kg bench and 122.5kg deadlift. 

He achieved three world records in powerlifting during the 2022 World Raw Powerlifting Federation Nationals held in Melbourne and was also invited to take part in the 2022 World Championships in Russia. 

Tim Whiteley and Jo Noonan, who are the President and Secretary of the Macquarie Emus Junior Rugby Club respectively, have worked hard to rejuvenate the club throughout the 2022 season. 

The club has hosted a significant number of quality events, including the Classic Wallabies Western Plains Camp, seven Friday night gala events, high school RAMSY events, a Western Plains Junior Trial Day, and school holiday camps. 

Along with their parents and supporters, it is estimated more than 850 participants have attended these events and spent time in Warren Shire, as a direct consequence of the club’s efforts. 

It is also evident that Warren possesses a deep sense of community spirit. 

Warren’s Community Event of the Year went to the Warren Street Christmas Party for their innovative support of small businesses through an evening of local entertainment, market stalls, food and bar facilities, and even a visit from Santa! 

The Community Services Award was later presented to the Warren Golf Club Volunteers for their commitment to maintaining and preserving the Warren Golf Course. Recipients included Greg Kentwell, Malcolm Stephens, Brian Robertson, Paul Shipton, David Rawlinson, Dale Ward and John Wilde. 

Talented youth in the community were also recognised on Australia Day.  

Bianca Fuller, a talented athlete, was awarded the Kinross Wolaroi School (KSW) Swimming Captain, KWS Swimming Champion, KWS Swimmer of the Year, and the KWS Lion Heart Award. 

She was also selected and named in the NSW Target Transition Squad to attend training camps run by NSW Swimming 

Bianca has now been accepted into the Australian Institute of Sport swimming squad and is training under Australian Olympic coach Shannon Rollason, who has coached multiple swimmers to success and Olympic podium finishes. 

In addition, Daisy McKay, just 12 year’s old and already a small business owner, was recognised as Warren’s Young Citizen of the Year. 

Warren’s Young Citizen of the Year, Miss Daisy McKay, pictured with Australia Day Ambassador Mr Keith Potger AO.

Her thriving small business designing and making accessories such as dog bandana’s and bowties and hair scrunchies and bespoke tops and skirts displays determination, entrepreneurialism and creativity well beyond her years. 

She also received honours in her Australian Music Examination Board first grade clarinet exam, and received ‘Most Improved Player’ and ‘Encouragement’ awards from the Warren Junior Netball Club for her involvement in the winning Warren Wildflowers netball team. 

In addition to these achievements, Daisy also recently competed in the CWA Speaking Competition and was selected from eight Stage 3 students to compete against neighbouring schools. 

The positive impact brought to the Warren Shire by such enthusiastic, driven and community-minded citizens was something that Mayor Quigley felt very proud of. 

“I commend all of the 2023 Australia Day Award nominees and recipients for their outstanding achievements,” he said.