In keeping with their tradition to celebrate local champions for Australia Day, Brewarrina Shire Council is thrilled to announce their 2026 Australia Day Ambassador is well-known local shearer, equal opportunity advocate and Australian Shearing Hall of Fame inductee, Peter Orcher. Better known as “Orch”, his remarkable career in the wool industry, culminating in his formal induction into the Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame in 2024 and 2025 Australia Day Award are a testament to his outstanding skill, dedication and leadership.

Beginning his shearing career at just 17, Peter quickly earned a reputation throughout Northwestern NSW for his exceptional technique and reliability. Over the years, he became one of the most respected and skilled shearers in the region, setting high standards for professionalism and excellence within the industry.

 As a shearing contractor, Peter’s teams were consistently highly sought after and respected. Most notably, many of his teams were fully First Nations, showcasing not only his leadership but also his commitment to providing employment, skills development and opportunity for Aboriginal shearers across the region. His lasting impact on the wool industry and support for First Nations people secured his place among Australia’s top shearers and local Brewarrina Shire legend.

Brewarrina Shire Mayor, Councillor Tom Stanton said he was proud to continue the tradition of championing exceptional locals, and Peter Orcher was an outstanding example.

“It’s so important to have local champions like Peter Orcher serve as our Australia Day Ambassadors. Not only do they represent the spirit and values of our community, but they also inspire others by showing what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a genuine commitment to giving back,” said Councillor Stanton.

“Peter’s story highlights the strength and talent that exists right here in the Brewarrina Shire and demonstrates the positive impact our leaders can have, especially when they empower others in our community.

“Peter’s induction into the Hall of Fame and his Brewarrina Shire 2025 Australia Day Award not only recognised his individual achievements but also his ongoing efforts to create opportunities for all, fostering skills, employment, and pride across the region.

“Brewarrina Shire Council is honoured to have him represent the community as the 2026 Australia Day Ambassador and we look forward to celebrating and acknowledging Peter as well as our other local champions at the 2026 Australia Day Awards on January 26.”

Nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards have also been extended until Sunday December 7, 2025.

Nominations are being welcomed for:

• Citizen of the Year – Recognises outstanding members of the community for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement.
• Young Citizen of the Year – Recognises young citizens under 25 years of age for their personal endeavours, achievements and community involvement.
• Sportsperson of the Year – Recognises a sports person, team, coach, administrator or official whose actions inspire and encourage others, and enrich the community through sport.
• Young Sportsperson of the Year – Recognises a young sports person, team, coach, administrator or official, under 18 or school age, whose actions inspire and encourage others and enrich the community through sport.
• Australia Day Award – Recognises individuals or groups whose actions inspire and encourage others and enrich the community.
• Community Event of the Year – Successful community event held in the Brewarrina Shire from December 2024 to November 2025 that benefits or promotes the Brewarrina Shire.

Nominations can be submitted online by visiting the following link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V92LGNN.

Forms are also available to download HERE or from Council’s offices.

Completed nomination forms must be marked “CONFIDENTIAL” and can be emailed to cec@brewarrina.nsw.gov.au, delivered to Council’s offices at 57 Bathurst Street or mailed to PO Box 125 Brewarrina NSW 2839, but the must be received by Sunday December 7.

All nominations will be reviewed by an independent committee, and winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Brewarrina Memorial Pool on January 26, 2026.

“Australia Day Awards are a great way to thank and celebrate people who make a real difference in our community. They help us recognise those who inspire others to get involved. By giving these awards, we encourage more people to pitch in, keep the good work going, and show off the different skills and strengths across our community.

“Most importantly, these awards bring people together, highlight great role models, and show the real value of working hard and lending a hand. By recognising these efforts, we want to encourage people to keep making a difference and inspire the next generation to get involved and help our community grow and thrive,” concluding Councillor Stanton.

Complete your Australia Day Award Nomination online here – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V92LGNN.