Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM, has congratulated Australia Day 2026 honours recipients, Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Colleen Fuller and Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland, who were both awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
“These country Mayors are so engaged with their communities, leading and contributing across many different organisations, that they are part of the local character and identity,” Mayor Firman said.
“The have actively represented their communities at local, regional, state and national levels for decades and they’re still at, seemingly shrugging off hardships, illness and age with their communities priorities.”
He also applauded alumni of the country NSW Local Government family who were named in the Australia Day Honours List.
“Bucking the reported trend, women were well-represented in Australia Day Honours from a country NSW perspective,” he said.
Former Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor, Lee-Anne Watts of was awarded an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of Scone. She served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and as a Councillor between 2005 and 2024.
Former Tamworth Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Helen Tickle also received an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of Tamworth. She served as Deputy Mayor from 2016-2018 and as a Councillor from 2008-2024.
Meanwhile, John Ainsworth of Macksville was awarded an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of the Nambucca Valley. He was a Councillor on Nambucca Valley Council from 1987 to 2021 and served as Deputy Mayor, 1999-2000, 2003-2005, 2008, and 2010-2016.
“We were also delighted to see Bathurst Regional Council General Manager David Sherley honoured with an Australian Public Service Medal (PSM),” Mayor Firman said.
“People involved in the rural, remote and region NSW Local Government invest so much of themselves into their roles and communities that every shine of a spotlight onto their efforts is great to see.
“The CMA salutes everyone who to their community through Local Government, particularly those who were honoured on Australia Day 2026,” he said.
