Brewarrina Shire Council celebrates outstanding citizens at 2025 Australia Day Awards

January 26, 2025 – The Brewarrina Shire community, Mayor Tom Stanton and 2025 Australia Day Ambassador Margie Pippos came together on Sunday January 26, 2025, to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of notable members of the community at the annual Australia Day Awards.

Mayor Tom Stanton acknowledged January 26 has many meanings to many people across the Shire, and country, but said he was honoured to be able to mark the day by recognising the remarkable contributions and achievements of our wonderful community.

“Australia Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our complex history, and to understand that acknowledging and reconciling our past helps lay a path to a stronger future. It’s important we reflect and respect while also taking the opportunity to celebrate,” Mayor Stanton said.

“This year’s recipients exemplify outstanding service and dedication across various fields, showcasing the diversity and talent that enriches our community. They inspire us all with their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making our community a better place.

“Well done and thank you too all the nominees for everything they do, and a special congratulations to the winners.”

Mayor Stanton also paid tribute to the Brewarrina Shire Australia Day Ambassador, Margie Pippos. 

“It was an honour to also welcome and hear from our 2025 Ambassador Margie Pippos. Margie, together with her husband, our dear friend and colleague, Councillor Angelo Pippos, have been stalwarts and advocates for our great shire for decades. Their unwavering commitment and dedication have left an indelible mark on our community.”

Angelo Pippos’ legacy will live on in Brewarrina for generations, Mayor Stanton said.

He served the Brewarrina Shire and Council with unwavering dedication for almost 50 years. Throughout these years, his leadership and commitment to public service have inspired many. For 30 of those years, he was staunchly supported by his great love, Margie. Their partnership has been a cornerstone of their profound impact on the Brewarrina Shire community.

“Margie Pippos is the embodiment of the Australian spirit,” added Mayor Stanton.

“Born and raised in Brewarrina, she epitomizes what it means to be Australian. Her life and work have consistently gone above and beyond to support others. Margie exemplifies resilience, determination, and a heartfelt commitment to our community. Her contributions have been invaluable, and her journey is truly inspiring.

“Margie, thank you for joining us at the Australia Day Awards and sharing your story. Your presence as our Australia Day Ambassador is a testament to your enduring spirit and dedication to the values we cherish as Australians,” concluded Mayor Stanton.

2025 Brewarrina Shire Australia Day Award Winners

Citizen of the Year: Chris Redmond

For his unwavering support and dedication to help any organisation – both financially, through sponsorship, and through volunteering his time and equipment, including local hay drives, the Jockey Club, Colgo Sports Club and Quick Sheer, just to name a few.

Nominees: Chris Redmond, Frank Deshon, Naya Jeffries, Robert Wason and Timothy Slack Smith.

Young Citizen of the Year: Taniell Pokarier-Baker

Taniell is an outstanding role model for the youth and wider community across the region. Through her shearing business with partner Kyle, they employ, train and inspire local people, offering valuable skills and employment opportunities. Taniell promotes her industry and the Brewarrina Shire through her wildly acclaimed Quick Shear competition, and is always quick to lend a hand at other community events, whether through donations or her time and resources. She exemplifies what it means to be a true leader in both business and the wider community and is a pillar of support and inspiration.

Nominees: Taniell Pokarier-Baker and Thomas Dodds

Young Sports Person of the Year: Matthew Thompson and Sophia Dowell

Matthew continues to show promise and dedication, putting 100 percent effort into all his sporting endeavours. He has been awarded school aged champion the past two years, country age champion and junior champion for smalls schools as well as participating regularly in a wide range of other sporting activities including rugby union, swimming, athletics, and motorbike gymkahanas.  

Sophia is a passionate and dedicated sportsperson, representing herself, the town and her school exceptionally, excelling at the very top state level. She has represented her school at cluster carnivals in swimming, cross country and athletics; represented Western Cluster in swimming, cross country and athletics as well as representing the diocese in state level Polding carnivals at cross country and athletics.

Nominees: Matthew Thompson and Sophia Dowell

Community Achievement Award: Nathan Johnson

As the man behind the Memories of Brewarrina social media page, Nathan preserves the memories, stories and histories of our community, keeping current and past residents connected while also offering a learning tool and resource for the younger generation.

Nominees: Brewarrina Historical Society and Nathan Johnson

Senior Citizen Award: Peter Orcher

For his outstanding contribution to the shearing industry and the region. Peter was last year inducted into the acclaimed Shearing Hall of Fame; a huge honour and acknowledgment. He first began shearing when he was just 17, before starting a hugely successful and in-demand contracting business which trained, employed and inspired hundreds from across the Shire and the wider community.