Left: Australia Day award winners cut the cake. Right: Cabonne Australia Day Ambassador Taylor Corry.
Australia Day was celebrated across the Cabonne Shire on Monday, 26 January 2026, with community events, award presentations, barbecues, and free entry to all of the Cabonne Shire Pools.
Cabonne Australia Day Ambassador, two-time Paralympic silver medallist Taylor Corry, joined by 2026 Cabonne Youth Ambassador Nicholas Gibson, a 23-yearold Cumnock local, attended ceremonies in Cargo and Canowindra, meeting residents, presenting awards, and sharing their stories to engage and inspire the community.
The Australia Day celebrations once again shone a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and groups who embody the spirit of community, dedication, and generosity. There were 28 awards handed out at Australia Day celebrations across the Cabonne shire.
Congratulations to Canowindra’s 2026 Australia Day award recipients:
• Young Citizen of the Year – Jack Smyth
• Citizen of the Year – Jacquelyn Dredge
• Community Group of the Year – Canowindra Pastoral Agricultural & Horticultural Show Ladies Auxiliary
Young Citizen of the Year, Jack Smyth is currently working with MCC Chudleigh Dobell as a Trainee Livestock Agent while studying to obtain his Stock & Station Agents license. But what really sets Jack apart is not just his hard work, but the incredible year he’s had and the way he represents Canowindra and NSW with pride.
In 2025, Jack competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where he won Grand Champion Parader for NSW, an amazing achievement. This win took him to the Royal Adelaide Show for the National Championships, where he placed 4th in Australia.
Jack also gives back to his community in so many ways. He’s Captain of his Colts Rugby team, where he was named Best and Fairest in 2025, and he referees at Junior Walla Rugby carnivals each year in Canowindra. At the Canowindra Show, Jack is always hands-on, helping with the Sheep Dog Challenge and assisting in the cattle section.
Jack’s achievements have even been recognised in Parliament twice by Phil Donato via a community recognition statement to acknowledge his achievements and success in the cattle industry.
Citizen of the Year, Jacquelyn Dredge is a driving force in our community. Her tireless efforts have made a lasting impact, and her vision has brought people together in ways that strengthen and support us all.
Through her work with the Anglican and Uniting Churches and her initiative, Canowindra Connections, Jacqui has created vital services and events that make a real difference in people’s lives.
One of Jacqui’s incredible contributions is the Food Basket Program, which runs twice a week to assist families in need. She has also coordinated visits from government services like Centrelink and Services Australia, ensuring that those who can’t travel still have access to essential support. Jacqui has organised training opportunities, Food Handling, RSA, and RCG courses, helping locals gain skills and improve their employment prospects.
Her commitment doesn’t stop there. Jacqui played a key role in the success of the Canowindra Carp Muster, and she regularly hosts information sessions to support our elderly residents. Her latest focus is improving Home Care services for our village, showing once again her dedication to making life better for everyone in our community.
For 85 years, Community Group of the Year, Canowindra Pastoral Agricultural & Horticultural Show Ladies Auxiliary has been the heart behind one of the most loved traditions in our town, the brilliant display in the Cobley Pavilion at the annual Canowindra Show. It is thanks to the dedication and commitment of these ladies that this tradition continues to thrive today.
Year after year, they work tirelessly to create a space that celebrates local talent, creativity, and community spirit. These extraordinary women care deeply for our community and strive to make the Canowindra Show something we can all be proud of. Their efforts remind us that traditions like these don’t just happen – they are built on decades of hard work, love, and vision.