Two outstanding community members have shared the honour of being named 2025 Tamworth Citizen of the Year at the Tamworth Australia Day Awards, held at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall on Monday.
Bhavin Patel and Margaret Rock were jointly recognised for their long-standing service, compassion, and leadership within the Tamworth community.
Margaret Rock has supported and comforted cancer patients in Tamworth for almost 30 years. A cancer survivor herself, she has volunteered with Cancer Council NSW, regularly visiting patients at Tamworth Hospital and assisting weekly at the local Cancer Council office, including running Daffodil Day stalls.
She has also devoted more than three decades to the Lions Club of Tamworth and has played a key role in the Tamworth Wig Library, helping women feel their best during cancer treatment. Margaret has been involved in Look Good Feel Better workshops for more than 20 years, supporting patients to manage appearance-related side effects of cancer care.
Bhavin Patel was recognised for his extraordinary contribution through leadership, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting people experiencing hardship. His most significant initiative has been the creation and coordination of The Beacon Truck, a community-led food, clothing, and connection service supporting individuals and families across the region.
Bhavin has also volunteered significant time to the Holistic Urban Garden initiative, established on the grounds of his core business, Holistic Recovery. The garden provides a shared space for people to connect, learn, and contribute to sustainable urban gardening.
In addition, Bhavin has worked to improve understanding of mental health and disability by developing Communities of Practice with local services, aimed at reducing stigma, strengthening knowledge, and promoting best practice.
The Tamworth ceremony was held alongside a Citizenship Ceremony, where 96 new residents were welcomed into the community, nearly double the number of previous years.
The 2025 Tamworth Young Citizen of the Year was Ruby Woods, recognised for her leadership, advocacy, and volunteering, and her strong voice for regional youth. Ruby is the Tamworth Regional Council Youth Mayor elect, chairs meetings, organises Youth Week events, and volunteers at community events including the Shine Forum.
She also serves as Secretary of the Interact Rotary Club, volunteers with local initiatives and represents regional youth in public speaking competitions, including the NSW Legislative Council Public Speaking Competition. Ruby is also actively involved in the arts through the Tamworth Dramatic Society, O’Grady’s Drama School, and the Australian Theatre for Young People board.
The Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award was presented to Bronte Gillan for her positive contribution to Calrossy and the wider community through leadership, service, and a strong commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. Over the past three years, Bronte has been involved in mental health initiatives through the RUOK? Day Committee and has mentored younger students through dance and leadership roles.
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