Citizen of the Year winner Jane Strachan (centre) with Australia Day Ambassador Geoff Coombes and Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae. Photo: Supplied.
Jane Strachan has been named Coleambally Citizen of the Year 2026 for being a “tireless contributor” to multiple community groups over the past two decades.
Ms Strachan received her award at a Murrumbidgee Council Australia Day award ceremony on Sunday (26 January). She serves on the Coleambally Chamber of Commerce, the Australia Day Committee, the Coleambally/Darlington Point Country Education Foundation, and as a board member and secretary of aged care facility Cypress View Lodge.
According to Murrumbidgee Council, she has made an exceptional contribution through her work with Cypress View Lodge, improving board processes, leading grant applications that provided vital equipment for residents and staff, and helping plan the lodge’s 30th anniversary.
“Despite her full-time work with the NSW Department of Education, running a family business, and caring for her family, Jane is always the first to step up — offering ideas, solutions, and support wherever it is needed. Her energy, dedication, and selfless service have made a real and lasting difference to the youth and wider community of Coleambally,” Murrumbidgee Council said.
Christine Chirgwin and Heather Hogan have also been active volunteers for many groups over several years and were given Lifetime Achievement awards at the same ceremony.
Lifetime Achievement award winners Christine Chirgwin and Heather Hogan flanked by Ms McRae and Mr Coombes. Photo: Supplied.
Netball coach and recent St Francis de Sales Regional College graduate Grace Muir was named Coleambally’s Young Citizen of the Year, for her commitments to community service, sport, and leadership.
She is an active member of the Coleambally Rural Fire Service and volunteers at Assumption Villa, where she supports elderly residents.
In sport, Ms Muir coaches the CFNC Under 13s Netball Team, and grew the squad from fewer than seven players to almost two full teams. She has also served as assistant coach for the Leeton Under 14s Representative Netball Team, taking them to the state championships.
Another recent Year 12 graduate and netball player, Hannah Pound took the gong for Senior Sportsperson of the Year. The former Coleambally Central School captain has represented the Riverina across multiple sports, including long jump, swimming and cross country running.
She was also selected in the Open Riverina Netball Team, representing her school and the Riverina at the state championships.
The Junior Sportsperson of the Year title went to Alex Pound, a Year 10 student at Coleambally Central School, who also represented his school and region across multiple sports. He competed at the state cross country, athletics, and swimming championships, and played in the Netball NSW schools cup.
At club level, Alex has been a key player for the Coleambally Football Netball Club, contributing to the Under 18s and first grade teams. He was recently selected to participate in the AFL Western Sydney Giants academy program.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae OAM said she was inspired by the stories of commitment, drive and care shared by all the award winners.
“It’s wonderful to see how residents are so dedicated to supporting others, strengthening connections and creating opportunities that benefit everyone in our community,” she said.
FULL LIST OF COLEAMBALLY AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year: Jane Strachan
Lifetime Achievement Award: Christine Chirgwin
Lifetime Achievement Award: Heather Hogan
Junior Citizen of the Year: Grace Muir
Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Pound
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Alex Pound
Sub-junior Sportsperson of the Year: Willow Pound
Sporting team of the Year: CFNC U/18 AFL team
Cultural Award of the Year: CANASSIST ladies
Event of the Year: CFNC 60-year anniversary event.
