Local heroes celebrated by receiving Australia Day award nominations for 2025

Balranald Shire Council received four nominations this year for the Australia Day Awards, Citizen of the Year 2025.

Each of the four nominees have given tremendous amounts of time and energy to improve their communities and the lives of the people in them.

They have worked in many different areas, such as education, youth opportunities, health, domestic violence prevention and sport and recreation.

Although there can only be one winner, Balranald Shire Council would like to acknowledge the tremendous work and achievements of each nominee.

Small communities thrive and survive thanks to the dedication and hard work of amazing people such as these.

Thank you to all community volunteers who generously offer their time to serve in committees, clubs, churches and schools.

Our towns would not be what they are without you all.

Tony Conway

As well as being a local business owner and raising a family, Tony has worked behind the scenes for many years with Balranald Football Club, Balranald Racing Club, Southern Districts Racing Association and Swan Hill District Cricket Association.

Tony has served as a committee member, timekeeper, umpire, fund-raiser, auctioneer and coach. He is ready to help out with whatever needs doing.

As President of Balranald Racing Club since 2005, he supports other small racing clubs and advocates for the continuation of country racing.

Tony also volunteers his time for St Joseph’s annual school fete and as a stand-in meals-on-wheels driver when needed.

Tony has lobbied the Police, Ambulance and Teacher Housing Authority for better housing conditions for professional people and their families.

He is also a strong proponent for the expansion and development of Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel.

Emma Moore

Emma is mum to three young boys and works as Nurse Manager for Maari Ma Health in Balranald. She has completed multiple post-graduate nursing courses with the aim of offering extended and improved health care services in Balranald.

On top of her work duties, she has been involved with the organisation of successful service expos and health promotion events.

Emma is a member of the Western Primary Health Network, Far West Community Advisory Council, the Lower Sector Violence, Abuse and Neglect Interagency Group and Council’s Strengthening Community Access, Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory Committee and St Joseph’s School Committee.

Emma is also secretary of the Balranald NAIDOC Committee, St Joseph’s School Parents & Friends Association, and Balranald Soccer Club, of which she was a founding member.

In an interview for Women’s Week in March 2024, Emma stated “I hope that I can inspire and empower other women to set a positive example for their kids and families. I’m firstly a proud Mum, but my heart expands to all my other commitments and community, where I hope to influence positive change.”

Glenn Stewart

Glenn was a secondary school teacher for 22 years, and since then has worked for many years in various government organisation roles, working to improve local education, youth training and employment.

Glenn’s passion to see improved services to the people of the Euston-Robinvale area also extends outside of the workplace.

Through his roles on several boards and advisory committees, Glenn strongly advocates for improvements in such areas as economic development, vocational training, higher education, indigenous affairs, youth affairs, school education and AFL administration.

He has been an active member of the Euston Progressive Advisory Committee for the past four years.

With Glenn’s local industry connections and extensive experience, he works hard with local government and the community to improve the small town of Euston.

Rachael Williams

Rachael works with her husband in managing their farm, while also running her own business and raising three children.

In addition, she gives her own time in many areas to improve opportunities and services in our community.

Rachael played a key role in developing Advisory Committees to work with the Council’s Administrator.

She is Chairperson and Secretary for the Strengthening Community Access, Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory Committee and a member of the Executive of Chairs Advisory Committee. Rachael has also assisted with community engagement to help guide positive outcomes in areas such as community development, business growth and tourism.

Rachael works in several areas for local children and youth.

She has advocated for early intervention initiatives, recognising that addressing challenges faced by young people at the earliest stages can have a transformative impact on their futures. She has served several terms as President and committee member of the St Joseph's Parents & Friends Association, as well as being a member of the School Committee, dedicating countless hours volunteering and raising funds to support our local school children.

Keen to see our rural youth succeed, Rachel has been secretary of the Local Country Education Foundation for over a decade.

This foundation provides financial support to local students aged 16-25 transitioning from school into further education or the workforce. Rachael volunteers her time to source funding, assess applications, interview candidates and communicate outcomes.

Rachael has helped to organise events such as ‘White Ribbon’ nights in support of victims of domestic violence, the annual Health, Wellbeing and Support Services Expo and Women’s Health Pamper Day. Rachael’s passion, commitment, and tireless work ethic have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals in Balranald.

She has worked relentlessly to advocate for improved healthcare, mental health support, women's health, youth and early childhood services and domestic violence resources in the community, always striving to create a better, more inclusive environment for all.