WELLINGTON RESIDENTS RECOGNISED AT 2025 AUSTRALIA DAY EVENT
A twilight event was held in Wellington’s Cameron Park on Saturday 25 January 2025 to recognise Australia Day and encourage inclusivity among the community.
The event was emceed by Dubbo Regional Council Deputy Mayor Philip Toynton, with a speech by Councillor Adam Ryan and an address by Wellington’s Australia Day Ambassador, Ron Delezio.
Five Wellington residents, Elizabeth Hattenfels, Justin Toomey-White, Robyn Edwards, Warren Williams and Kenneth Everson, received Community Service Awards for their significant contribution to the community.
Peter Lewsam was named as Wellington’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
Since moving to Wellington 30 years ago, Peter has proudly supported the Wellington community and the local region.
His input into the strategic management and operations of Maranatha House, where he worked in a voluntary capacity, was instrumental in solidifying the strong clinical and financial position of the facility.
Marion Trounce was named Wellington’s 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year, and Mason Hill was named Wellington’s 2025 Young Citizen of the Year.
The 2025 Young Sportsperson of the Year was Maddy O’Brien for her achievements in rugby, rugby league and touch football, and Rod Pedron was recognised for his Services to Sport.
The Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society’s production of The Last Noel, which honoured long-standing WATS and Wellington stalwart Noel Grimes, was named as the 2025 Community Event of the Year.
Clr Toynton said it was great to see these outstanding citizens recognised.
“The Australia Day committee faced a challenging task this year in selecting the recipients of these awards."
“We are grateful for the efforts of both the nominees and those who took the time to nominate them. Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for your dedication to our community,” Clr Toynton said.
Citizen of the Year – Peter Lewsam
Since moving to Wellington 30 years ago, Peter has proudly supported the Wellington community and the local region.
His input into the strategic management and operations of Maranatha House has been invaluable. Peter joined Maranatha House to assist the existing Board and worked virtually full -time in a voluntary capacity, applying his considerable professional skills.
He has enabled Maranatha House to emerge from tough times and put the facility in a strong clinical and financial position, thus ensuring their future, which is important to the whole Wellington community.
Peter has held multiple positions at different organisations including honorary Chairman and Vice President at Maranatha House; Councillor at Wellington Shire Council; Board Member at Westhaven; President of Wellington Warriors Football Club, as well as a former player and coach and registered Football (Soccer) referee for local and Western Premier League competitions.
Peter has also been actively engaged in local sporting clubs over the past 30 years. Of particular importance has been his long-term involvement with the local football club, especially facilitating the amalgamation of women members into a truly integrated club.
Senior Citizen of the Year – Marion Trounce
Marion moved to Wellington in 1978 and since her arrival she has been involved in and supported the William Street Preschool to help consolidate it as a local institution. Marion is also an active member and participant of the Wellington Public School Parent and Citizens Association.
Marion is a founding member of the Wellington Rostrum which gives members of the community confidence to speak publicly and on topics outside their comfort zones. She has also set up an asthma support group for parents trying to navigate raising kids with asthma.
Marion is a member of the Wellington Red Cross and as president during COVID she maintained fundraising efforts; the pumpkin soup drive would not be sacrificed. She also brought the branch into the 21st century by introducing the tap and pay method.
Marion is also a member of the CWA, which has benefited from her attention to detail in delivering her duties in identifying and successfully applying for grants to upgrade the CWA hall.
She is a member of the Wellington Garden Club; Croquet Club; Friends of the Burrendong Arboretum and volunteers to scribe for the judges at the Wellington Eisteddfod.
Young Citizen of the Year – Mason Hill
Mason is a proud young Wiradjuri man and a cultural leader for young children. He is currently teaching year 7 and 8 students how to fluently speak in Wiradjuri language to perform an Acknowledgement to Country.
Mason has been involved in many leadership roles, not only in school but in the community. He is a caring and honest young man who works two jobs and enjoys school. Mason will be the school captain for 2025 and is a member of the school representative council. He has also received the Clontarf Academy Student of the year award in 2023 and 2024.
Mason is a popular and well-respected member of the Wellington Cowboys Rugby League Club and assists setting up at Kennard Oval for both Junior and Senior Rugby League games. He was a junior member of the Wellington Wedgetails Rugby League Club who travelled to New Zealand in October 2024 for a Cultural Exchange.
He helped at the food bank truck that was organised at the RSL carpark by carrying boxes of fruit and vegetables for community members. He has been the master of ceremonies for a number of events for the school and community and has helped organise and run NAIDOC Day events.
Mason is the first to put his hand up to help assist others. He mentors junior students and leads fundraising days for the school and community.
Young Sportsperson of the Year – Maddy O’Brien
Maddy is a dedicated young sportsperson who is involved in rugby, rugby league, touch football and rowing.
Maddy is a member of the Kinross Wolaroi U17s girls rowing team who rowed both at CIS school competitions and rowing Australia/NSW competitions. Maddy and her team competed in the rowing Australia Championships and the Eights Team finished as national champions.
Her achievements in touch football include playing for the Orange Thunder Touch U20s and U17s for State Cup where she received the "Players Player" for this tournament.
Maddy's achievements in Rugby include being selected in the South Western NSW U16s Waratahs Academy Team; selected in the combined independent school 1st U16 "7s" team which were runners up at the state carnival; selected in the Central West Rugby U16s team; selected in the Central West Rugby U16s "7s" team as well as being named captain; selected in the Harlequins U16s "10s" team for Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup tournament; a member of the Wellington "Spiderettes" grand final winning "10s" team in the Westfund North Cup competition and was also awarded Wellington's "Players Player" and Best U21 Player.
Maddy's achievements in Rugby League include being a member of the Dubbo Goannas, winning the Western League U18s competition; being awarded the Goanna "Most Courageous" award and 2024 Club "Rookie Player" and selected in the Western Rams Lisa Fiola Squad.
Services to Sport – Rod Pedron
Rod exemplifies dedication and passion for the sport of swimming through his unwavering commitment to the Wellington Amateur Swimming Club. As a life member, Rod consistently goes above and beyond, volunteering his time to coach swimmers of all levels, fostering their skills and confidence both in and out of the pool.
His valuable contributions extend to refereeing weekly Friday night club point scores, ensuring events run smoothly and with integrity.
Rod's presence at Western Area Carnivals highlights his devotion to supporting and guiding swimmers as they compete, offering mentorship and encouragement that inspires success.
Rod's tireless efforts and selflessness have a profound impact on the club and the broader swimming community.
Community Event of the Year – Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society –The Last Noel
The Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society has a long and proud history in Wellington and embodies the very essence of community. WATS is the only organisation of its kind in Wellington and enjoys strong community support.
WATS has an inclusive and 'open door' policy; everyone is welcome and local talent is nurtured. WATS creates connections for children outside their normal 'friendship' groups and within the wider community, building on their shared experiences in the performing arts.
The September 2024 production, The Last Noel (in honour of long-standing WATS and Wellington stalwart, Noel Grimes) involved approximately 100 performers and technical support. Over 40 children from Wellington Public School and St Mary's Catholic School performed in the three 'at capacity' shows. WATS has also engaged in collaboration with Wellington's Stray Notes, with the group participating in the 2024 production and committing to future partnerships.
The Last Noel production also involved regular singing and acting rehearsals. Leading up to the production, the children had the benefit of singing workshops with renowned international tenor, Hugh Francis, who also performed in all three shows. This experience allowed young participants to benefit from world-class training, a rare opportunity for many of the children in the community.
Last Edited: 26 Jan 2025