Lachlan Mitchell was named young citizen of the year for his pro-environment advocacy. Pictured with Wagga mayor Dallas Tout. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
First Nations elder Mary Atkinson and environmental campaigner Lachlan Mitchell have been named Wagga citizen of the year and young citizen of the year 2026 respectively at Wagga Council’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre on Sunday evening (25 January).
The award recipients and Wagga Council’s reasons for their recognition are as follows:
Aunty Mary Atkinson – 2026 Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year
Aunty Mary has shown dedication through her many contributions to the Wagga Wagga community over several decades.
She is a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal Elder who has devoted 25 years to education and is a strong advocate for the First Nations community. Her upbringing, lived experiences, cultural traditions and heritage have played a vital role in strengthening local unity.
First Nations Elder Mary Atkinson has been a tireless campaigner for her community. Photo: Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga/Facebook.
Lachlan Mitchell – 2026 Wagga Wagga Young Citizen of the Year
Lachlan is a Year 10 student at Kooringal High School who is passionate and deeply committed to protecting our environment.
He is an advocate for environmental change and is involved in many initiatives including South Wagga Rotary Youth Circular Initiative, Kooringal High School
Environment Committee and National Tree Day. Lachlan also volunteers his time by running upskilling sessions, participating in environmental projects, and mentoring students.
Carmel Wallis & Kaye Bryan – 2026 Walk of Honour inductees
Carmel and Kaye were jointly nominated and honoured for this award for their significant role as co-founders and the driving force behind ErinEarth, one of Wagga Wagga’s most important environmental and community education initiatives.
For more than 25 years, Carmel and Kaye have inspired countless groups and individuals to ‘walk lightly on earth’, and their influence will resonate for many generations to come.
Sarah Danckert – 2026 Environmental Citizen of the Year
Sarah has made outstanding contributions to the local environment and is a passionate advocate for environmental protection.
She established the local Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists chapter and has led a range of practical environmental initiatives as well as delivering school workshops.
A total of 11 nominations were received across four award categories.
Wagga Council said these submissions were carefully evaluated and assessed by the members of the 2026 Australia Day Community Committee with the finalists in each category announced during the ceremony, detailing their outstanding contribution to our community.
