Australia Day award winners come from all walks of life

Published on 26 January 2025

From radio personalities to hard working environmental groups – this year’s Armidale Australia Day Award recipients come from all walks of life. But one thing they all have in common is an unwavering dedication to the local community.

Armidale Regional Council (ARC) received many worthy nominations for the 2025 Australia Day Awards with the Citizen of the Year going to community radio announcer Sandy Sweeney.

For nearly 40 years, Sandy has played a key role as a station announcer at 2ARM Community Radio and she is particularly known for her exceptional country music programs on 92.1FM. Beyond her on-air contributions, Sandy has also been deeply involved in the station’s committee, fundraising efforts, and event organisation.

"Today, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of individuals who go above and beyond to make our community stronger,” said ARC Mayor Sam Coupland.

“The Armidale Australia Day Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of our community and recognise the selflessness, dedication, and service of these people and organisations.

“We are very proud to honour and congratulate today’s award winners and thank them for the tremendous contribution they make to our thriving community here in Armidale and its surrounding areas."

The Australia Day event will also see more than 90 residents receive their Australian citizenship – many of whom come from the local Ezidi community.

Citizen of Year 2025 - Sandy Sweeney

Sandy began her involvement with 2ARM Community Radio in the late 1980s and in 2019 was awarded Life Membership for her sustained services to Community Radio in Armidale. Sandy has made a significant contribution as a station announcer for almost 40 years, in particular presenting quality country music programs at station on 92.1fm.

Her long involvement has also included committee service, participation in fundraising initiatives and organisation of radio station functions. Sandy’s integrity and heartfelt affection for the cause of local Community Radio has helped establish strong links between the 2ARM Community Radio station and the local Armidale community, across the broadcast footprint of 92.1fm.

Senior-Elder Citizen of the Year - Lloyd Porter

Lloyd Porter, an Aboriginal Elder born on Girre Girre land in Inverell, moved to Armidale over 40 years ago and has become a treasured part of the community.

A celebrated local shearer until his mid-60s, Lloyd’s life changed over 30 years ago when he adopted toddler Steven, affectionately called Wally. After a near-fatal road accident 25 years ago left Wally with a brain injury, Lloyd became his full-time carer. Now 84, Lloyd still cooks, cleans, supports, and drives 39-year-old Wally into town almost every day.

Lloyd has also dedicated decades to helping locals overcome alcoholism, providing support and hope to many. His tireless service to Wally and community spans over 40 years. A walking example of kindness, selflessness and resilience, Lloyd and his son are familiar local characters, often seen walking the mall together with Lloyd wearing his Stetson trousers and Akubra hat.

Community Service - Country Women’s Association of NSW Armidale Branch

Members of the CWA work together to support women and their families within Armidale and the broader NSW community. They volunteer their time and talents to assist other community groups with a presence at numerous local events.

Throughout the year they undertake a number of fundraising events to allow them to distribute those funds to local causes. They also provide support for statewide advocacy initiatives including this year’s focus on violence against women.

Apart from assisting others, they provide a strong support network for members and can be counted on to provide all manner of assistance when called upon, whether it be keeping an eye on the wellbeing of others, including many elderly members or providing social contact for those who may otherwise be isolated.

Sportsperson – Matt Foster

Earlier this year, in rifle shooting, Matt helped the Australian team win the Trans-Tasman shooting title against New Zealand. He attended Kings open prize shoots in South Australia, Queensland, The ACT and through NSW during the year, he represented NSW Country and also NSW and he has recently been selected to represent the Australian F Open Team to compete at the World Titles in Bisley, England.

Environmental Citizen - The North Armidale Walking Tracks (NAWT)

The North Armidale Walking Tracks (NAWT) Working Group strives to maintain and improve the laneways and riparian areas that extend through to the Armidale Pine Forest. The group works under the umbrella of the Armidale Tree Group. Since 2018, following a plan approved by Armidale Regional Council, the group has been successfully removing invasive weeds from selected areas of the laneways and plan to extend their work in the future.

Community Event – New England Sings!

New England Sings! is a nationally acclaimed, award-winning choral showcase that brings together more than 900 students from across the New England region, accompanied by an 80-piece orchestra.

In 2024 NE Sings! premiered new Australian works commissioned especially for the 20th anniversary of the New England Conservatorium from leading Australian composers Kate Miller-Heidke, Ian Jefferson and Luke Byrne, and two wonderful local composers Warwick Dunham and Matthew Minter.

Community Group - New England Garden Festival Committee

This event was the brainchild of Lou Forsythe and Susie Coventry. 2024 was the second year for this event and it has been successful in bringing visitors from all over Australia to the Armidale district while providing much needed support to the local Can Assist branches.

Young Citizen - James Pegg

James is a 20-year-old member of the Diggings Rural Fire Brigade who commenced his RFS involvement with Lawson Cudgegong brigade in 2021 at the age of 17. James relocated to Armidale to commence his Bachelor of Rural Science degree at the University of New England where he resides in one of the campus colleges. Since James has been a member of the Diggings Brigade, he has completed an extraordinary amount of RFS training to increase his skills and qualifications. James displays a level of maturity and leadership well beyond his years which is reflected by his appointment as Captain of the New England RAFT Brigade in 2024.

Art, Drama or Music - Stuart Pavel

Stuart has made an invaluable contribution to the arts scene in Armidale over the past 20 years. His volunteer work spans several key initiatives, including working with The Armidale Playhouse, New England Sings!, Fiori Musicale, Armidale Symphony Orchestra, Armidale Symphony Orchestra, Armidale Youth Orchestra and Armidale Music Teachers Association. Stuart's dedication to the arts community in Armidale has been both broad and deeply influential, impacting countless individuals and cultural initiatives over the years.