The community were the winner in hot weather on Australia Day with Pip Waters celebrated as our citizen of the year. Her work with the Ukrainian community in Orange, Molong and Carcoar was just amazing.

The recently opened Convent at Molong, new cars, and jobs. Pip helped organise a lot for the community.

Rachael Brooking for her work with Huntington’s Disease was highly recommended along with Geradline Colless for her work with the homeless, RFS Chaplain Geoff Langdon, Sonjah Erikson, Bec Robinson and Peter Robson were also nominated.

Orange High School Year 8 student and SRC member Madison Gwynne received the Young Citizen of the Year award for her contribution to dance at the school and in the community.

Madison is an integral member of the school’s junior dance troupe, year 7 dance troupe and Aboriginal girls troupe, as well as the NSW State Schools Dance Ensemble and the NSW Aboriginal Dance Company.

Anabelle Van Wyk received Highly Commended in the Young Citizen of the Year award for her extraordinary musical achievements. The young saxophonist is a member of the Sydney Youth Orchestra’s Symphonic Wind Orchestra and has performed on various stages, from the Parkes Elvis Festival to Carnegie Hall in New York.

Other nominees were :
Caitlin Cox, Trae Bonney, Chloe Cox, Shaqaurnia Fuller, James Kennedy, Ajay Edwards, Kian Elwood, Brandon Mitchell, Paige Moore, And Patrick McGinley

Community Group of the Year was awarded to FoodCare Orange, a volunteer-run organisation that provides access to free and affordable food, groceries and household items for people experiencing financial hardship. Highly Commended went to Wangarang Industries, which provides employment and other services to people with disabilities and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Rotary Club Daybreak was also a nominee.

Community Event of the Year was won by the 2022 Orange Running Festival, which attracted more than 1500 competitors from across Australia and overseas to compete in seven running events, from a mile to a marathon, in a positive, welcoming and supportive environment.

The Local Legend Award was given to Linda Williamson, who works tirelessly to assist volunteer groups raise money through her administration of the renowned Bunnings barbecues. Highly Commended went to Orange musician Derek Johns, who has been serving Orange as a musician for 40 years, notably performing at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies for the Orange RSL Sub-branch.

Other Nominees were Farren Hotham of One Central West 88 and Megan Goodwin.

The Business Philanthropy Award was given to the Orange Ex-Services Club, which recently raised more than $300,000 for Eugowra flood victims, as well as facilitating emergency accommodation, meals and supplies for the displaced residents. The club also provides ongoing financial and in-kind support for local community organisations, including over $100,000 in Club Grants.