General news
31 January, 2025
Ungarie celebrates local heroes at 2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony
UNGARIE residents gathered this Australia Day to celebrate their community’s shining stars at the 2025 Ungarie Australia Day Awards. The ceremony, held on January 26 at the Ungarie Hall, honoured the incredible contributions of local individuals and groups who make Ungarie a better place to live.
Brenton ‘Buster’ Clarke was named Ungarie Citizen of the Year for 2025, a well-deserved recognition of his years of dedicated service to the community. Buster, who has been an invaluable volunteer, leader, and friend to many, was unfortunately too ill to attend the ceremony and accept the award in person. His daughter, Beverley Clarke, accepted the award on his behalf, thanking the community for their support and recognition.
Speaking at the event, Beverley shared a heartfelt message from her father, noting that while Buster would be honoured by the award, his true motivation was always to contribute to making Ungarie a better place for everyone.
“Dad will be so pleased,” Beverley said.
“He’s always been about making this town a great place to live, and that’s what matters to him most.”
The award was presented by Warwick Nowland, Bland Shire Ambassador and Superbike champion, who spoke warmly about Australia Day, his life in motorbikes and how citizens like Buster, leave a long-standing impact on the Ungarie community.
In the Young Citizen of the Year category, Ethan Robb was recognised for his outstanding achievements both in school and beyond. Known for his dedication to his studies and his volunteer work as well as being a handy sportsman, Ethan has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to making a difference.
Also awarded Young Sportsperson of the Year was Evie Henley, fresh off her success as Bland Shire Young Sportsperson of the Year. Evie, a student at high school in Leeton, has excelled not only in sports like AFL but in her academics, all while volunteering and giving back to the community in any way she can. Her passion and dedication to improving Ungarie and the Bland Shire have made her a standout figure, and she has truly earned her place as a role model for younger generations.
The Ungarie Cemetery Group was recognised for their outstanding work in maintaining and preserving the local cemetery, ensuring that it remains a place of respect and remembrance for generations to come. The Ungarie Advancement Group also received recognition for their tireless efforts in organising events for the community, including the hugely successful Carols by Candlelight Christmas event, which brought the town together in a truly special way. The award, accepted by last minute MC, Mel Roberts, is a thoroughly deserved accolade for this group, who work tirelessly to keep events in Ungarie going.
Steph Cooke, NSW Member for Cootamundra, was on hand to present awards and spoke glowingly of the achievements of all the winners. She also took a moment to acknowledge Neale Daniher, who was named Australian of the Year for 2025 for his remarkable campaign to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Cooke praised Daniher’s unwavering commitment to the cause and the profound impact he has had, both on a national level and within his hometown of Ungarie.
“Ungarie has a rich history of local heroes, and today’s awards reflect the strength, resilience, and community spirit of this wonderful town,” said Steph Cooke.
“From Buster Clarke’s decades of service to our young achievers like Evie and Ethan, this is a place where people care about each other and work together to make a difference.”
The 2025 Ungarie Australia Day Awards were a beautiful reminder of the power of community, service, and the strong bonds that make Ungarie a special place to live.
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