Join the Nambucca Valley Community Awards this Sunday

Published on 21 January 2026

Join our entertaining afternoon this Sunday, 25 January, for the Nambucca Valley Community Awards, where the winner of the 2026 Nambucca Valley Citizen of the Year Award will be announced.

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said all residents are invited to attend the free community event and welcome our newest Australian citizens and celebrate locals who have made a positive impact across 2025.

“This Nambucca Valley Community Awards is going to be very special this year, with not one but three special guests in the line up,” he said.

“Endurance swimmer and Australia Day Ambassador, James Pittar, will be there, along with Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan and State Member for Oxley Michael Kemp.

“We will be revealing all award winners in categories including Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Indigenous Citizen of the Year, and numerous sports achievement awards.

“We will also enjoy a Welcome to Country by Aunty Cheryl Donovan and entertainment by the Nambucca District Band and local musician Barry Noble.

“The event starts at the Macksville Ex-Services Club, from 4pm, so come along and join in our annual community celebration day.”

The Nambucca Valley Community awards is being delivered by Nambucca Valley Council with assistance from the Nambucca Valley Community Awards Advisory Committee. Nominations for awards were open in 2025 and closed on 28 November.

Nambucca Valley Community Awards event rundown

4pm: Event starts at the Macksville Ex-Services Club with the Nambucca District Band playing from 3.30pm. Local musician, Barry Noble, will also play a tune.

4.15-5.30pm: Citizenship ceremony for our newest Australian citizens, followed by the Nambucca Valley Community Awards including Citizen of the Year Award

5:30: Cutting the ceremonial cake and further entertainment

6pm: Event close.

James Pittar bio

James Pittar is an inspiring marathon swimmer who has proven determination can overcome the toughest of challenges. Diagnosed at 16 with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease, James was legally blind by 21 and completely blind in his late twenties. Rather than letting this define him, he channelled his energy into sport, representing Australia in swimming and rowing at international championships for athletes with disabilities.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr Bede Spannagle

GENERAL MANAGER

02 6568 2555

DATE: 20 January 2026