The Uralla Shire community gathered to celebrate the heart of what makes this region extraordinary, its people. Australia Day 2026 was marked not only by flags and festivities, but by the welcoming of new citizens and the recognition of individuals and groups whose efforts continue to shape life in the Shire.
Welcome new Australians
The citizenship ceremony was filled with joy and emotion as six new Australians took the oath of allegiance and joined the community in a shared future.
Tabea Borgas, Kathleen and Russell Clifton, Ian Clutterham, Stefanie Cook, and Charlotte Emich – originally from Germany, New Zealand, and the UK- stood proudly as they were welcomed to the Uralla Shire family.
For each of them, this milestone marked more than a legal transition- it was the start of a deeper connection to the land and people they now call home.
Honouring the spirit of Uralla
As the ceremony turned to the presentation of the 2026 Australia Day Awards, it became clear that community spirit in Uralla isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.
The recipients of the 2026 Australia Day Local Citizen Awards for Uralla are:
Bridie Williams: A Leader on and off the Field
At just 16, Bridie Williams has already become a force in local sport. Recognised with the Junior Sports Award, she’s known not only for her skill in netball and touch football, but for her leadership, mentorship, and tireless volunteerism.
Bridie has officiated at state-level tournaments, coached junior teams, and taken on governance roles in local associations. She travels far and wide—from Coffs Harbour to Sydney—not for personal glory, but to give her teams every chance to shine.
Her dedication to helping others enjoy sport has made her a standout role model in the Shire.
Caitlin Croft: Riding High with Purpose
Winner of the Sports Award, Caitlin Croft is a young woman whose passion for horses has turned into a life of service and leadership.
A rider since age three, Caitlin now competes—and wins—at state and national levels with her Australian Stock Horses. But her greatest impact may be behind the scenes: mentoring young riders, managing social media, running events, and holding leadership roles with the New England Branch of the ASHS.
Respected by judges and fellow riders alike, Caitlin represents excellence, humility, and the enduring bond between community and country life.
Rebecca Kemp: The Heart of Bundarra
Described as someone whose smile lights up every room, Volunteer of the Year Rebecca Kemp is a one-woman engine of kindness and energy.
Whether helping out at the Kingstown Preschool, organising concerts, or dressing up in a tutu for a charity golf cart parade, Rebecca brings joy to everything she does. She is a familiar face at nearly every community group in Bundarra—from the Show Society and Lions Club Goat Races to supporting locals through drought and disaster.
Quietly, without fuss or expectation, she shows up. Every time.
Uralla Neighbourhood Centre: A Quiet Force of Care
This year’s Community Group of the Year, the Uralla Neighbourhood Centre, is where compassion meets action.
From food hampers to festive gifts, they support residents facing hardship, often before those needs are even voiced. Volunteers work closely to offer tailored support with warmth, privacy, and dignity. A poem shared as part of their nomination says it best:
“If you’re in trouble they are always there, generous people with time to care…”
A Table for Everyone: Uralla Community Christmas Lunch
When the inaugural Uralla Community Christmas Lunch launched in 2024, few could have predicted how quickly it would become a beloved institution.
Now in its third year, the lunch—awarded Event of the Year—has grown beyond the Uralla township, extending the invitation to neighbouring communities.
More than just a meal, the event represents something deeper: inclusion, connection, and a celebration of what makes the Shire unique. It’s proof that when locals come together, something truly special happens.
Nash Goodwin: Young, Humble, and Always Helping
Young Citizen of the Year Nash Goodwin has been part of the Uralla community all his life—and from a young age, he’s been helping to keep it strong.
From lending a hand in his father’s butcher shop to supporting festivals, elderly neighbours, and school events, Nash shows that kindness and leadership aren’t defined by age. Despite facing challenges of his own, he gives selflessly, always choosing service over spotlight.
He’s a quiet leader who uplifts everyone around him—proof that the future of Uralla is in good hands.
Robert Crouch: A Life of Service
For Senior Citizen of the Year Robert Crouch, community service isn’t a chapter—it’s the whole book.
A former councillor of 7 terms, including multiple as deputy mayor, Bob has been involved in everything from the Rural Fire Service to the Uralla Showground Trust. Even now, he continues his RFS work in administrative roles, offering leadership built on decades of experience and care.
His mantelpiece holds many medals—but his greatest reward may be the countless people he’s helped along the way.
Wayne Howard: Citizen of the Year, Every Year
In times of need, Wayne Howard is the man people call—and often, he’s already there.
Born and raised in Uralla, Wayne has spent his life giving back: preparing venues for events, restoring power during the 2025 snowstorm, donating to local sports clubs, and quietly checking on elderly neighbours during emergencies.
When the town Christmas tree was vandalised, Wayne fixed it. When the Bolt Inn lost power, he got it running. When someone’s stuck, Wayne shows up—with tools, time, and heart.
He may now be officially Uralla Shire’s Citizen of the Year, but to many locals, he’s been that for years.
A Community Worth Celebrating
From new citizens taking their first steps as Australians to lifelong residents continuing a legacy of service, this year’s Australia Day in Uralla was more than a civic event—it was a tapestry of stories, effort, and heart.
These are the people who mow the fields, light the BBQs, run the fundraisers, coach the teams, check on neighbours, and ensure no one is forgotten.
They are what makes Uralla shine.
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