Armidale Australia Day awards announced

Quiet achievers from across the Armidale region were recognised at the 2026 Australia Day Awards, held at Dumaresq Dam.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the awards reflected the generosity, dedication and compassion that underpin the local community.

“Today we honour the quiet achievers,” Mayor Coupland said. “These are the neighbours who step up, the volunteers who keep going, the creatives who inspire us, and the leaders who help shape a better future for our community.”

The 2026 Armidale Regional Council Australia Day Award recipients were:

Citizen of the Year

Michelle Wheatley: This local business owner was nominated for her tireless efforts to transform Armidale’s East Mall into a vibrant, creative hub, refreshing the streetscape, inspiring building owners, attracting new businesses, and creating the joyful ‘Confetti Lane’, a project that has brought colour, life and community pride to the town.

Senior/Elder of the Year

David Steller: Nominated for his longstanding, selfless service to the Armidale community, where his quiet but profound contributions across environmental stewardship, social welfare, aged care and community service have strengthened local connections, supported vulnerable individuals and families, enhanced green spaces and upheld the dignity of older residents, reflecting his humility, reliability and genuine commitment to community wellbeing.

Community Service Award

Carolyn Gadd: Nominated for years of tireless service to the Armidale community through Lions Club projects, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, the Tourist Information Centre and as a guide for the Armidale Tourist Bus, as well as her 16 years of active leadership within the Lions Club.

Art, Drama or Music Award

Armidale Pipe Band – Jeanette Slade and Todd Lipman: Both nominees dedicate their time voluntarily to teaching new learners who have joined the ranks of the Armidale Pipe Band. They welcome new members with no piping experience, regardless of whether they can read music.

Community Group/Event of the Year

Duval Dam Buster: For eight years, the Duval Dam Buster committee has delivered a safe, fun and challenging event that brings the Armidale community together, attracts visitors from across Australia and beyond, boosts local tourism and businesses, encourages participation for all fitness levels, and donates surplus funds to local charities.

Environmental Citizen of the Year

Bryan Johnstone: Nominated for his longstanding leadership in environmental restoration across Armidale, particularly through the Armidale Urban River Group and Southern New England Landcare, where he has driven multi-decade efforts to rehabilitate the Dumaresq Creeklands, regenerate wetlands, improve community access and inspire strong volunteer participation in caring for the local environment.

Young Citizen of the Year

Annabelle Arkit: Annabelle founded a not-for-profit dance team three years ago with three other girls and has since taught and coached the group as it steadily grew to 21 dancers aged nine to 16, creating an inclusive program specifically so children who face financial barriers can still have the opportunity to dance.

Sports Person of the Year

Imogen Hislop: Imogen has umpired hockey at a national level in both indoor and outdoor competitions, being selected for the under-14 outdoor championships in Perth last year and Brisbane this year, where she officiated the bronze medal match, and for the under-14 indoor championships in Canberra in January, again umpiring the bronze medal match, leading to her appointment to the under-16 national indoor panel.

Mayor’s Award – Posthumous

Robyn Shanahan (14 June 1953 – 9 October 2025): Honoured with the Mayor’s Special Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to the Armidale community, her lifelong commitment to the Armidale City Band, and an exceptional 53 years of service to Armidale Regional Council. A gifted musician, Robyn served for decades as both a member and conductor of the City Band, providing bugle calls for Armidale’s ANZAC Day, Armistice Day and other military commemorations. Her generosity, leadership and influence on local brass musicians leave a lasting legacy.

Mayor’s Award

Gerald Widders: A respected 77-year-old Anaiwan Elder and lifelong Armidale resident, recognised for his deep cultural knowledge, long community involvement and extensive local contributions, including volunteering with the SES, working as a wool presser, serving UNE colleges for 29 years, helping build numerous homes and community buildings across Armidale, and continuing his active role with the Anaiwan Iwatta Elders.