Communities across the Warrumbungle Shire came together on Australia Day 2026 to reflect, respect and celebrate the strength of their local communities, the achievements of exceptional residents and the people who quietly make a meaningful difference year after year.

Events were held at Binnaway, Baradine, Coonabarabran, Mendooran, Dunedoo and Coolah, with community members joined by Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Cr Kathryn Rindfleish, councillors and visiting Australia Day Ambassadors.

“It was wonderful to be part of local Australia Day ceremonies and to celebrate Australia Day alongside so many people from our local communities,” Cr Rindfleish said.

“It was a highlight of the celebrations to join my fellow councillors in presenting Warrumbungle Shire Council Australia Day Awards for 2026 to a number of very worthy recipients.”

Australia Day ambassadors visit the shire

This year’s celebrations were enhanced by the presence of Amar Singh JP and Tasman Cassim, who were the Australia Day 2026 Ambassadors for the Warrumbungle Shire.

The Ambassadors took time to engage with locals and share their stories.

Cr Rindfleish said the ambassadors played an important role in bringing people together on Australia Day.

“Australia Day is an opportunity to recognise the people who strengthen our communities and to celebrate the values that connect us,” she said.

“We were proud to welcome

to the Warrumbungle Shire.

"Both bring strong messages of service, inclusion and community connection, and it was wonderful to have them at our local celebrations.”

Mr Singh is a nationally recognised humanitarian, diversity advocate and founder of Turbans 4 Australia, a charity providing food relief and emergency assistance to Australians in need.

After experiencing racism as a young Sikh man, he established the organisation in 2015 to support people facing hardship and to promote multiculturalism and religious tolerance.

Mr Singh’s work earned him the title of 2023 Australian of the Year – Local Hero.

Amar Singh and Tasman Cassim were Australia Day Ambassadors at Warrumbungle Shire.

Mr Cassim is the Head of Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, Australia’s leading mental health research and education organisation.

After more than 20 years in sales and marketing in the travel industry, he transitioned into the for-purpose sector, helping build partnership and fundraising programs for organisations including the Heart Foundation, Good360 and the Black Dog Institute.

He is also widely known for his annual Superhero Walk, completing long-distance walks dressed as superheroes to raise funds for charities supporting Australians doing it tough.

Since 2015, he has walked more than 1,000 kilometres and raised over $100,000.

Celebrating local achievement

Cr Rindfleish said the standard of nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards was exceptionally high.

“With so many excellent nominations received, the Australia Day Awards Committee had the enjoyable challenge of selecting this year’s award recipients,” she said.

The 2026 Warrumbungle Shire Council Australia Day Award recipients were:

• • Citizen of the Year: Matthew Guan (Dunedoo)

• • Senior Citizen of the Year: Narelle McDonald (Binnaway)

• • Sportsperson of the Year: Chantell Greaves (Dunedoo)

• • Environmental Citizen of the Year: Gary Picard (Coolah)

• • Cultural Achievement Award: Three Rivers Landcare (Dunedoo, Coolah and Mendooran)

• • Young Citizen of the Year: Jack Richards (Coonabarabran)

• • Young Sportsperson of the Year: Jackson Player (Coonabarabran)

• • Community Event of the Year: Sky River Path Park Run (Coonabarabran) and Coolah Rugby League Football Club Grand Final (Coolah)

• • Young Environmental Citizen of the Year: No nominations received

“The Australia Day Awards offer a meaningful way to celebrate the strengths of our local communities and to honour those who have made outstanding contributions,” Cr Rindfleish said.

“I would like to congratulate all award recipients, as well as every nominee, on their well-deserved recognition.”