The winner of this year’s Citizen of the Year Award was born in Wongan Hills, and has been a key member of our community from a very young age. He is one of those people you will find “sprinklings of” all over Wongan Hills, making their mark with true community spirit, the constant ambition to make our town a better place to live and offering a helping hand wherever needed.

This person is known for having a particular passion for preserving our history through his love of storytelling and sharing of knowledge – a wonderful gift to share ensuring the past is not forgotten. He is not the type to boast, but more considers it a contribution to the community and serving that community well. This must be the reason he was nominated multiple times this year for this award!

Citizen of the Year 2026 is; Mr Brian DONNELLAN!

Brian has been an engaged member of the Wongan Hills Community since his return from active service in the Australian Army, in August 1969.

He is a valued and valuable community member within the Wongan Ballidu Shire, and a man very deserving of the honour.

Some of the details about his service within the Community.

Brian joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade (now Fire & Rescue) in October 1969.

A Brigade he was honoured with life membership with due to his countless years of service and dedication. During his many years with the Brigade, Brian was Captain for almost 12 years as well as carrying out Foreman, Treasurer and Secretary roles before hanging up his hat.

During his service, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Rescue Trailer, heavily involved in competition-winning running teams. He attended countless motor vehicle accidents/incidents, chemical spills and fires large and small. The Feed Mill fire is one such fire of note, Wongan made the news that day!

Brian was one of the many men who carted hay bales to raise funds to buy the bricks that built the current station. A station that was not only built to serve its community and provide an essential service but also to preserve the history and legacy of people like Brian. Brian ceased active duty in the Brigade in 1996 but remains a proud Life Member of that organisation. You'll still find him at the annual AGM honouring his life membership and trustee role.

Brian was a long serving member and Secretary of Wongan Ballidu RSL, and represented this region on the State Executive Committee of RSL for several years. He instigated the link to The Quiet Lion Tour of the Burma Thai Railway and was heavily involved in fundraising, promoting and interviewing prospective young locals who wished to join the tour. Many (well over 30), young locals were enlightened from the trip and gained much from their talks with the POW's who also joined the tours.

Brian is an integral part of ANZAC Day Dawn Service observance. He is pleased that the Dawn Service tradition will carry on for years to come with the ANZAC Committee taking over where the RSL left off.

Brian has served the community as a Justice of the Peace for many years and continues to do so.

He has been a member of the Museum and Historical Society. In fact the Museum was the old Wongan Hills Hospital, and where he was born, just a few moons ago!

Brian and his wife Sylvia were very involved members of the Wongan Hills District High School P &C for many of their children's schooling days.

He served as a Shire Councillor for approximately two and a half terms from 1999 - 2005, and more recently, at the ripe age of 79 years young, there was a vacancy on council and he stepped in for a period of about 14 months or so. During his time on council he was involved in the creation of Gratton Heights Sub Division; instigated the development of the Wongan Hills Medical Centre, and more recently involved in the upgrade of the public toilets in town.

While on council from 1990 - 2005, it was his wish to see the town pipe water from local dams and convert Wongan in to a green oasis. As with all things on any council, it takes time for things to come to fruition, and Wongan now is indeed green.

He was also a member of the Local Emergency Management Committee and served as Disaster Recovery Coordinator for some years.

Also a member of the Friends of the Cemetery Group, who were key to the upgrades at our Cemetery to the beautifully presented area that we see today.

An inaugural member of the WHATS Theatre Group, including such fine examples as "The Queen & The Duck", "Rome Sweet Rome" and “Mystery on the Orient Express".

Brian is a willing volunteer on many community projects; one such project was the Airport extension and lighting of the runway. An important resource for the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu and surrounding districts, particularly for the ability for RFDS planes being able to land.

Also, numerous Tidy Towns Events, which he participated in for many years with his wife and children.

In recent times he has been heavily involved in the evolution of the Men's Shed from a borrowed meeting place to the vibrant and well equipped Shed that now exists on Depot Road. A facility worthy of a special mention as it will be a sanctuary for many men, for many years to come, to love and enjoy. You'll often find him down at the Men's Shed where he currently wears the hat of Vice President. This is just one of the many roles he has committed to since he joined in 2011.

Brian is a man who's wisdom, compassion and diligent nature have earned him the respect he truly deserves and his role as a Justice of the Peace perfectly highlights his character, further volunteering his time to offer a much-needed service to our community.

Brian is also a current member of the Wongan Hills Vintage Car Club and has previously also been actively involved in the; Museum and Historical Society, and a Board Member of Lovegrove Lodge.

His commitment to community is not only apparent through the many community groups he has joined but for his ongoing support of community events and initiatives.

Whether it's being a helping hand, an organiser, a fundraiser, a coordinator, as well just someone who always shows up for his community, he is a worthy winner for this year's Citizen of the Year Award.

In a world often defined by individual pursuits, Brian stands as a beacon of community spirit, reminding us all of the transformative power of collective care and shared responsibility - and all the while, in doing so, he beams with pride.

Congratulations Brian!

Young Citizen of the Year 2026

Lesley Hasson

This years Young Citizen of the Year has been described as “the epitome of a team player, kind, patient, and always leading by example.”

That is a quality that is sure to grow, as this worthy winner establishes the true foundation of an invaluable community contributor.

The 2026 Young Citizen of the Year is; Lesley HASSON!

Lesley is an exceptional young community member who gives her time, energy, and heart generously across multiple local organisations.

Within the Wongan Hills Netball Association, Lesley has been an active and valued member for several years, previously guiding our junior teams with skill, enthusiasm, and genuine care. This year, she has gone above and beyond,

taking on the roles of Vice President, A Grade player-coach, and stepping in as Reserve coach whenever needed. These responsibilities often resulted in long and demanding days, yet Lesley's dedication never wavered. Her hard work and leadership were recognised when she was awarded A Grade Fairest and Best this season.

Lesley’s commitment was clearly evident as she ran coaching sessions with her 18-month-old by her side.

Before her years with netball, Lesley served as Head Coach of the Wongan Hills Swimming Club, volunteering countless hours to develop the next generation of swimmers. She devoted her time long before she had children of her own, driven purely by a desire to give back to her community.

Lesley has also led the Winter Sports Social Committee for several years, helping bring together our hockey, netball, and football clubs. Her leadership has fostered a strong and positive sporting culture and strengthened connections across all codes.

Last year, Lesley joined the Bike It to Ballidu (BITBG) committee as an observer, assisting with social media and offering fresh ideas. This year, she stepped up and now carries full committee responsibilities, a role that is almost year-round in its demands.

Her willingness to take this on, especially as a new mum, is a testament to her dedication and strong commitment to our community.

Lesley's energy, generosity, and selfless community spirit make her a true role model for young people. Through her commitment to sport, volunteering, and uplifting those around her, she continues to inspire others whilst embodying the qualities worthy of the Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Congratulations Lesley!

This years Community Event of the Year will come as no surprise to many, as it has grown from a simple fundraising challenge into the weekend masterpiece it is now!

It is a true credit to all who have been involved and is sure to further grow from strength to strength in the coming years.

The 2026 Community Event of the Year Award is; the Boekeman Machinery Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel 2025!

The Boekeman Machinery Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel 2025 is a shining example of grassroots ambition and how a small rural community can deliver an event of state-level significance through passion, teamwork and genuine country hospitality.

What began in 1999 as a school fundraiser has evolved, through community dedication and a partnership with WestCycle, into a full-scale gravel cycling festival that attracts hundreds of riders and visitors from across Western Australia.

The 2025 event was the biggest yet, with record cyclist numbers and a vibrant event village that buzzed from 8am to 6pm. For one remarkable day, the town of around 40-50 locals hosts a crowd over ten times its population, providing food, entertainment, and heartfelt country hospitality. The festival offers several gravel ride distances, catering to families, recreational riders, and competitive athletes alike, ensuring it is inclusive, safe, and professionally run. Combined with live music, novelty challenges, local produce and camping it truly is a wholesome event.

This year's event brought unprecedented economic and social benefits to Ballidu and the wider Wongan-Ballidu Shire; boosting local business trade, showcasing the region's beauty and gravel trails, and building long-term tourism interest for the Shire. The event's partnership with WestCycle and local sponsors (Boekeman Machinery and Case IH) reflects professional collaboration and excellence.

Beyond the numbers, Bike it to Ballidu Gravel 2025 represents the spirit of rural Western Australia: innovation, volunteerism, and community pride.

The event unites the entire town and surrounding region, celebrating the Wheatbelt's people, landscape, and hospitality. It truly embodies what the Community Event of the Year Award celebrates.

Some notable points;

• Hosted by 40-50 local volunteers and the Ballidu Progress Group.
• In Partnership with WestCycle, Boekeman Machinery, and Case IH.
• Winner of SportWest Community Sport Event of the Year in WA, reflecting state-level recognition of quality and impact.
• Draws riders and visitors from Perth and regional WA, strengthening local tourism.
• Demonstrates exceptional community collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

Congratulations to Bike it to Ballidu Gravel!