Sports Award – George Baldry
George has had an outstanding year with the Junee Soccer Club, playing not only in the under-12s but regularly stepping up for the under-13s as well. He supported younger teams at training and consistently brought a positive, encouraging attitude to every game. His efforts were recognised when he was named the Wagga Wagga Football under-13 Player of the Year and selected for the 2025–26 SAP program with Wagga City Wanderers. George is a talented young player, but it’s his team-first approach and genuine encouragement of others that truly sets him apart.
Sports Award – Olivia Burton
Olivia Burton has quickly become one of Junee’s standout young swimmers, representing her school, district, zone and the Riverina at major events since 2023. She has repeatedly qualified for the NSW PSSA State Swimming Championships and the Speedo Sprints Finals at Sydney Olympic Park, earning medals in both individual and relay events. In 2025, she claimed bronze in the 50m breaststroke and has twice been selected for the James Brophy Memorial Team. Olivia has also been recognised through Swimming Australia’s Junior Talent Identification Program and has now achieved qualifying times for the NSW Youth State and Country Championships in 2026. Dedicated, humble and consistently progressing, Olivia continues to train weekly with the Junee Swimming Club and is a swimmer to watch.
Team of the Year – Henry’s Heroes
Henry’s Heroes, led by the Baldry family, have just completed their ninth Bloody Long Walk, continuing their long-running commitment to raising funds for families affected by mitochondrial disease. Their efforts this year were recognised at the Mito Foundation Awards Night, with Nicole receiving the Awareness Award, Angus the Jedi Award, and George the Ninja Award. Nicole has also written a children’s book to help explain loss, raising further funds for Mito and donating copies to local schools and childcare centres. Beyond their fundraising, Carl and Nicole are active community contributors through their work in local business and education. With plans underway for a special fundraiser to mark Henry’s 10th birthday in March 2026, Henry’s Heroes continue to inspire and unite the Junee community.
Team of the Year – Illabo Public School
Illabo Public School may be small, but its teamwork and spirit are exceptional. With just 12 students, the school achieved standout results in 2025, including winning the Black Billy Cup at the local swimming carnival and claiming Gold at the Small Schools Touch Knockout for the second year in a row. They also secured Bronze in the State Athletics Small Schools Norm and Elizabeth Austin Relay — an incredible achievement for a rural school. Beyond sport, the students hosted a morning tea for the Light Horse Brigade, represented Illabo in the ANZAC March, and won the School Display at the Illabo Show. Their unity, pride, and community contribution make them an inspiring nominee for Team of the Year.
Team of the Year – Junee Golf Club Volunteers
The Junee Golf Club volunteer team is a dedicated group of retired men who give their time and energy to keep the course in top condition. They turn up four days a week to mow the greens, fairways and rough, manage spraying, carry out machinery maintenance, and clear fallen trees and limbs after storms. Their hard work ensures the course is always safe, well-presented, and enjoyable for members and visitors. This volunteer crew embodies community spirit, reliability, and pride in their town. Their ongoing commitment makes a huge difference to the club and the wider golfing community, making them a standout choice for Team of the Year.
Sports Award – Rylee Henderson
Rylee Henderson, a Year 10 student at Junee High School, has had an outstanding year across multiple codes. She has represented her school, town, region, state and even Australia in AFL, rugby league, rugby union and athletics. Rylee has played for Junee Diesels league tag and Temora’s AFL and rugby union teams, while also earning selection in elite development pathways including the GWS Giants Academy, ACT Brumbies Academy and the Canberra Raiders development squad. In 2025, she represented Australia in rugby union in Japan and New Zealand and will travel to Europe to play AFL with the Australian Wanderers. Balancing school, sport and work, Rylee is a committed young athlete who leads by example and inspires other young girls in sport.
Illabo Melodrama Group
The Illabo Melodrama Group has been a cornerstone of the local community for over 20 years, bringing together members from Illabo, Eurongilly and Junee to deliver bi-annual performances. Volunteers of all ages dedicate countless hours to rehearsals, costumes and logistics, creating shows that entertain and unite the community. Beyond the stage, the group supports local organisations by providing catering for fundraising events, amplifying their impact. Their performances offer rare opportunities for social connection in a rural setting, fostering cohesion, pride and cultural engagement. More than a theatre group, the Illabo Melodrama Group strengthens the social fabric of the region.
Citizen of the Year – Jaydan James Duck
Jaydan James Duck is a lifelong Junee local whose dedication to community storytelling and service has profoundly enriched the town. Beginning at just 14 with fundraising efforts after the Jail Break Inn fire, he quickly developed a career in journalism, producing work for local and national media while honing his skills interstate. Since returning to Junee in 2019, Jaydan has created The Junee Bulletin, a free digital news platform with more than 23,700 followers, providing vital local coverage, promoting events, supporting businesses, and preserving the town’s history. Beyond journalism, he volunteers with community initiatives like the Junee Poker Run & Blues Night, helping raise funds and awareness for local causes. Jaydan’s unwavering commitment, skill, and generosity make him a truly deserving Citizen of the Year.
Citizen of the Year – Debbie Ashton
Debbie Ashton, founder of Deb’s Cat De-Sexing, goes above and beyond to care for stray and abandoned cats in Junee. Using her own time and resources, she de-sexes, rehabilitates, and rehomes friendly cats, or safely returns wary ones to their original locations, helping control the stray population and prevent suffering. Debbie travels long distances to rescue dumped or unowned kittens and has saved many from the pound, ensuring they get a second chance at life. Beyond her animal welfare work, Debbie supports community members personally, helping those recovering from illness with practical care and kindness. Her generosity, compassion, and tireless dedication make her an extraordinary member of the Junee community and a truly deserving nominee for Citizen of the Year.
Citizen of the Year – Derek & Rita Broad
Derek and Rita Broad are pillars of the Junee community, dedicating their time and energy to a wide range of local causes. Derek, a Vietnam veteran and retired train driver, volunteers with Legacy supporting ex-servicemen and their families, and contributes at the Roundhouse Rail Museum as a guide, gardener, preservation worker, and WHS officer. Rita, a former Highland dance teacher and founding member of CanAssist, continues to volunteer tirelessly for community groups, including the Roundhouse Museum, Lawson House fundraising, and local schools. Together, they are always first to help wherever needed, combining skills, creativity, and generosity to benefit the town. Their longstanding service, compassion, and leadership make them highly deserving nominees for Citizen of the Year.
Citizen of the Year – Nicole Baldry
Nicole Baldry has made a remarkable impact on the Junee community through her dedication, compassion, and tireless service. While studying to become a teacher, she has supported students in the Disability Support Unit at Junee High School, making a meaningful difference in their lives. Nicole also coaches the under-fives at the Junee Jaguar Soccer Club and assists her sister with fundraising for the Vilomah community, supporting families affected by infant and baby loss. Most notably, she has devoted countless hours to fundraising for the Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, including organising a major event in memory of her son Henry’s 10th birthday. Nicole’s unwavering commitment to helping others, combined with her energy and generosity, makes her a truly deserving nominee for Citizen of the Year.
Young Citizen of the Year – Madison Hazell
Madison has represented her community and NSW in lawn bowls for many years, achieving numerous state, regional and club titles, including NSW Inter-Zone selections, Riverina medals, NSWCHS medals, ACT Capital Pairs Champion, multiple club championships, and a NSW State Team debut at the 2024 Nationals where she earned a silver medal in pairs. Most importantly, Madison has utilised her success to advocate for gender equality in the sport of lawn bowls, taking it upon herself to start a petition with over 5,000 signatures and earning a position on the NSW State Junior Committee. Beyond bowls, Madison contributes to her community through the Junee youth council and has carried out her duties as School Captain in 2025. Madison consistently excels academically, achieving platinum honours and Dux in both primary and secondary school. She is recognised as a dedicated, kind and inspiring young leader in our community with a bold future.
Citizen of the Year – Natalie Phillips
Natalie is a highly respected and valued member of the Junee community, recognised for her unwavering commitment to supporting others. She has been a long-standing and dedicated member of Can Assist Junee, where she has provided practical support and genuine compassion to families during some of their most challenging times. Natalie consistently goes above and beyond, always being one of the first to volunteer her time and assistance whenever the community is in need. In addition to her charitable work, Natalie has played a significant role in strengthening the local business community through her involvement in Junee Business and Trades. Her tireless contributions to major community events such as Christmas on Broadway and the former Rhythm and Rail Festival have helped foster community spirit and bring people together. Each year, Natalie and her husband generously give up their own Christmas Day to prepare and serve meals at the Open Kitchen, creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where individuals and families can share a meal and feel supported on what can be a difficult day for many.
