COOTAMUNDRA COMES TOGETHER ON AUSTRALIA DAY
- Steph Cooke MP
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Cootamundra came alive this Australia Day, with local events and gatherings drawing crowds in true Aussie spirit.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, covered more than 300 kms throughout the day, in an effort to celebrate with as many communities as possible.
Beginning with the Bland Shire Australia Day Mayoral Reception on Sunday evening, Ms Cooke started Australia Day in Temora at the Australia Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, where she proudly presented the Event of the Year Award to Motion Arts Temora for their production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
Temora Australia Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, 2026.
“I was particularly impressed by the Australia Day address delivered by Isla Scott from Temora High School,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s always wonderful to see our young people take pride in the communities they call home, and that’s something truly worth celebrating on Australia Day.”
Ms Cooke then visited the Wallendbeen Hotel to catch up with locals, before travelling to Wombat to congratulate the village’s Australia Day award recipients.
Australia Day in Wallendbeen, 2026.
Wombat Cafe owner Cath Smith was named the 2026 Wombatian of the Year, while Kaye Dee received the Sportsperson of the Year award.
“After tackling what was easily the biggest vanilla slice I’ve ever seen, I can safely say Cath puts just as much love into her cooking as she does into her community,” Ms Cooke said.
Continuing west, Ms Cooke stopped in Bimbi, where she put her barbecue skills to the test before sharing a meal with community members.
She wrapped up the day in Quandialla, enjoying the yabby races and live music alongside locals in a fitting end to a day of celebration.
Australia Day community barbeque in Bimbi, 2026
“The highlight of the evening was seeing the Weddin Shire Youth Achievement Award go to Macey Yerbury, who’s headed into year 6 at Quandialla Public School this year,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing her grow from a little kindergarten cherub into a beautiful, strong, resilient young woman with a big smile and a heart of gold.”
“Days like this are a wonderful reminder of how strong and connected our smaller communities are,” Ms Cooke said.
“It was a real privilege to spend time with so many of our locals and celebrate with the people who make our region such a special place to call home.”
Australia Day in Quandialla, 2026
Australia Day Honours
In 2026, three Cootamundra residents were added to the Australia Day honours list in recognition of their outstanding community contributions.
Former president of the Galong and District Progress Association, John Killick has received the Order of Australia Medal for service to the Community of Galong.
Besides being a long-time supporter of his local Rugby League club, Mr Killick is known for organising the local Anzac Day Dawn Service and Clean Up Australia Day initiative and has sat on the St Lawrence Retirement Village Board of Management for 35 years.
The late Janice Cattle was also awarded an Order of Medal for her services to the community of West Wyalong.
The gardening guru is proudly remembered for her contributions to the Community Rose Garden Group, which she was the coordinator of from 2000 until 2025.
“Ms Cattle has played a momentum role in beautifying the town and enhancing the visitor experience,” Ms Cooke said.
“Importantly, she was a great mentor and friend, particularly to her fellow garden group members.”
“I had the pleasure of visiting Ms Cattle on multiple occasions, including when she was inducted into the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.”
Junee Correctional Centre security manager James Adair has been awarded an Australian Corrections Medal in recognition of his 20 years of service.
Throughout his career, Mr Adair has showed dedication and commitment to rehabilitation and youth engagement, operational excellence and conflict resolution.
He also joined the Rapid Relief Team during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and played a critical role in outbreak response.
“It is fantastic to see our locals recognised for their contributions with such prestigious honours,” Ms Cooke said.
“We have so many hardworking, generous and motivated individuals helping uplift our communities every day, and whose contributions make an immeasurable difference in rural New South Wales.”
