Community organisers, musical theatre stars and young leaders have been acknowledged for their contribution to the Cowra community ahead of the 2025 Cowra Australia Day Awards.
Aunty Esther Cutmore, Marc Grant, Ella Meuwisse and Lusi Austin are some of the eleven Cowra Shire residents nominated across three categories.
Lachlan Valley Railway Society and the Cowra and District Aero Club were nominated for the Cowra Community Group of the Year Award.
Cowra Mayor, Paul Smith, said the judging panel have a hard job ahead of them to decide the winners.
‘We always have an impressive collection of individuals and groups nominated and the 2025 candidates are no different. With a diverse range of backgrounds, focus and duties, the judging panel have an unenviable task selecting one winner in each category. I would like to congratulate each of those nominated and thank those who have recognised their contributions,” he said.
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The judging panel for the awards – made up of representatives from Cowra Youth Council, Cowra Lions Club, Cowra CWA Evening Branch, Cowra Rotary, Cowra Sport and Recreation Committee, and Cowra Australia Day Committee representatives – will assess the nominations before they are presented at Cowra’s Australia Day celebrations on Sunday 26 January 2025.
COWRA YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEES
Elliott Bennett
A recently elected prefect at St Raphael's Catholic School, Elliott Bennett has integrated himself in every facet of town life. Elliot has served the Cowra community as a student Ambassador for both the Festival of International Understanding and the Breakout Anniversary. He also saw his HSC Major Art Work selected for ArtExpress. In 2024 he was proud to be a part of the local production, ‘Intertwined’ and he has been an active member of the Cowra Musical & Dramatic Society. In 2025, Elliott will attend JMC Academy to study musical theatre.
Callie Bridges
Senior member of the Cowra Youth Council, Callie has balanced her commitments with her Year 12 studies and role as Vice Captain at Cowra High. The juggling act has included participating in the Youth Peace Forum, Youth Week activities, NAIDOC Week and Children's Week Family Fun Days and planning for Mental Health Month activities. Rising up the ranks through Cowra Ballet School, Callie is now an assistant teacher, bringing her dance skills to Indigenous dance group, Wagambirra, for several years, participating in many welcome and dance ceremonies throughout the community.
Ella Meuwisse
Proud owner of Designed To Bloom, Ella’s small business has quickly become a standout in the community. Since launching her business in 2022, she’s gone from working from out of her home to opening a shopfront on Cowra’s main street. Known for her kindness, generosity, and creativity, Ella has contributed to numerous local events, adding vibrant arrangements to occasions such as the Cowra Christmas Festival, Cowra Breakout 80th Anniversary, and Pretty in Pink Fundraiser. She also hosts floristry workshops and community events like the Garden Party for International Women's Day.
COWRA CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Marc Grant
The owner of Brother Fox Barbershop, Marc is a valued member of the Cowra community, offering both outstanding services and leadership. Beyond his professional role, Marc actively volunteers with several local boards and charities, including the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre and the Mental Health Project Cowra. He mentors two apprentices from Cowra High School, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. Marc also donates his time to shaving fundraisers, offering free shaves and haircuts to those in hospitals, nursing homes, and individuals with limited mobility at home.
Ray Heilman
A stalwart of the Cowra community, Ray’s studies led him to Cowra, and a 37-year career at Edgell, bringing his studies in Sydney to town. Ray retired as Deputy Manager and became a hobby farmer in Billimari. After the Edgell factory closed in 1992, Ray worked as a consultant on manufacturing options for Cowra Shire. In 1993, he helped establish Cowra Export Packers, revitalising the area. Ray has also served as Secretary of the Cowra and District Aero Club since 1987, contributing to the community for decades.
Carolynn Hodder
Carolynn has dedicated over four decades to nursing, with 17 of those as an oncology nurse, where she has consistently gone above and beyond her duties. She’s known for taking patients to appointments, delivering meals, and offering emotional support to families in need. Carolynn has also served on the Cowra Community Chest for 20 years, assisting with client interviews for financial aid. Until recently, she was a member of the Darbys Falls Progress Association. Her compassion and service have left a lasting impact on the Cowra community.
Lusi Austin
A writer, playwright, director, composer, musician, and mother of five, Lusi is a creative force across the region. Despite living with autoimmune diseases, she brings boundless enthusiasm to every project. Living in Cowra for over a decade. Lusi not only homeschools her children but also mentors local homeschooling families, offering resources online. A passionate historian, she has brought the Cowra-Japan relationship to life through productions like the Cowra Breakout anniversary plays and her children's book, Jack’s Visit to Cowra. Her 2024 musical, Intertwined, marks a triumphant contribution to Cowra’s cultural heritage.
Esther Cutmore.
Aunty Esther is an inspiring advocate for reconciliation and cultural education. Her journey from hardship and racism to becoming a respected Elder is remarkable, sharing culture with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and revitalising Wiradjuri language through many Welcome to Country ceremonies. She serves as a director for the Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre and Wegelli Drug and Alcohol Centre, demonstrating her commitment to the local community. Aunty Esther is a true gem of Cowra, loved by all, especially students at Cowra Public School, with an outdoor learning space dedicated to her.
Ray Johnston
Ray has been a member of the Cowra SES Unit for over 10 years, and serving in the SES for more than three decades. As part of this role, he has worked tirelessly during flood and storm events to help the community. He is a founding member of the Cowra Community New Year’s Eve Beach Party Committee, which has become an eagerly anticipated annual event by the Cowra community. Ray is also one of Cowra’s town bus drivers and assists Cowra Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Cowra wherever possible.
Lesley Burns
Lesley has dedicated over 20 years to public service across the Cowra Shire, working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Passionate about valuing older Australians, she is always willing to lend a hand and inspire others to do the same. A standout moment came in 2022 when, as volunteer board President, she helped save the Gooloogong Country Club from closure by leading a huge effort to revitalise it. Lesley has also spearheaded fundraising events for causes such as Royce's Big Walk and the Eugowra floods, always demonstrating her unwavering community spirit and generosity.
Cowra Community Group of the Year Awards Nominees 2025
Lachlan Valley Railway Society
The Lachlan Valley Railway Society (LVR) has been a cornerstone of Cowra for nearly 50 years. Established in 1977, it serves as a living reminder of Cowra’s railway heritage, despite numerous setbacks, including the closure of local rail lines. The LVR transformed the Cowra Locomotive Depot into a rail heritage centre and undertook major restoration projects, such as refurbishing the WWI WWII memorial fountain, depot buildings, and Lounge Car MBV 931, which is now used as a café. Recent restorations of Planet Shunting Locomotive No. 52 and carriages have revived heritage rail services, attracting tourists to the town.
Cowra and District Aero Club
Benefitting from a suite of new upgrades, the Cowra and District Aero Club celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. Opened at a community day to acknowledg the dedication and determination of club members, the upgrades enhance the Club’s capabilities, expand teaching opportunities, and offer a space to introduce young people to aviation. Planning began in 2019, with construction starting in 2021. Club members donated approximately $12,500 in materials and labor to complete the project, which now supports aero-medical teams 24/7.
Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award
Richard Neate
Richard has been a dedicated and hardworking member of both the Cowra Eisteddfod and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society (M&D) for over 35 years. Joining M&D in the early 2000s, Richard has appeared in numerous productions, including The Crucible, Cabaret, and Fawlty Towers. Since 2004, he has served as Treasurer, managing finances while also performing on stage. Richard’s contributions to the Eisteddfod, including developing online entry systems and editing programs, have been invaluable. He was made a life member of both organisations in recognition of his outstanding service to the community.
