First Nations Elder Mary Atkinson has been nominated for Wagga Citizen of the Year. Photo: Catholic Education, Diocese of Wagga Wagga/Facebook.
The five nominees for Wagga Wagga’s 2026 Citizen of the Year Award have been unveiled.
Local First Nations Elder Mary Akinson, multicultural advocate Joan Saboisky, former Rotary Club of Wagga president Eilagh Rurenga, RSL bowler and fundraiser Jack Whyte and local campaigner for children’s illness awareness Mitchell McDonell have all been named as this year’s nominees.
The winner of this year’s award will be announced at the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony on Sunday 25 January at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
Other awards that will be presented on the night include Young Citizen of the Year. Kooringal High student Ariba Omar, who recently did an internship with Region Riverina, and anti-plastics campaigner Lachlan Mitchell are the two nominees. Meanwhile, Kate Livio and Sarah Danckert have been nominated for Environmental Citizen of the Year.
Finally, either Judith Le Lievre or Carmel Wallis and Kaye Brian, in a joint nomination, will receive a spot on Wagga’s Walk of Honour, a plaque on Baylis Street that recognises those who have made a significant contribution to their community.
Young Citizen of the Year nominee Ariba Omar published her first article for Region this week. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Nominee for this year’s Citizen of the Year Award, Aunty Mary Atkinson, said she was overwhelmed to hear she was nominated amongst such a great group of people.
“Everyone nominated for the award is a winner, and I think the city of Wagga is the biggest winner for having people like them in it,” she said,
“I’m a bit overwhelmed by it, and a bit honoured too. And whoever nominated me, I’m really grateful for that.
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal woman, but I’m also a proud Wagga citizen as well.”
Aunty Mary moved to Wagga 30 years ago and has been a major advocate in sharing First Nations stories and truths, as well as providing opportunities for First Nations people.
She said she’d seen a lot of positive change regarding Indigenous Affairs in Wagga Wagga, but admits there is still a lot more to be done.
“I feel that with what we’ve done in Wagga together as a community and as people working together for true reconciliation, more people are beginning to be heard and understood.
“I am a true believer of the idea that you can’t be what you can’t see. So for me and many others, we are pushing for that change.”
Aunty Mary said there is still a lot of pain regarding Australia Day and the awards handed out as part of the public holiday, but that she and many other First Nations people are still proud to be nominated.
“First Nations people are the first Australians,” she said.
“We want Australia Day to be as inclusive as possible for as many people as possible. There’s a lot of controversy about the day, but we’ve got to go past that as well, and we do that by sharing and telling as many people’s stories as possible.”
The Wagga Australia Day Awards will be held at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, 25 January from 6 pm to 8 pm. All are welcome.
