Broken up into groups and individuals, winners will be selected in the relevant categories and announced during the Australia Day ceremony in Mountford Park on January 26.

Leeton & District Water Wheel Garden Club: Hosts the annual open gardens on Easter Monday. Attracts visitors from the region and raises funds for charities and organisations.

Leeton Family and Local History Society: Launched its new book Leeton Lads of the First World War in 2018. Committee members spent hundreds of hours researching the service and names on the town’s cenotaph.

Leeton Balloon Glow: Attracts about 10,000 people as part of the SunRice Festival. Balloonists from all over Australia participate, helping it to grow and develop.

Tunes at the Track (SunRice Ambassador Lauren Brett): Outdoor music festival showcasing Leeton talent. Funds raised went to Parkview Public School P&C and CanAssist. 

Leeton Eisteddfod Committee: Small committee that puts on a huge event every August, showcasing talent from the area, NSW and interstate. 

Rise and Shine Fitness: Safe, fun and energetic environment that inspires women to get into fitness. In its first year the trainers made a difference to improving fitness and well-being. 

Barnard Herrmann: Represented Leeton in a number of different sports in 2018 and excelled in the performing arts and academia. Recently achieved his dream of being accepted into the Flying Fruit Fly Circus for 2019.

Judith Nolan: A well-known community member who has been involved with the Leeton Eisteddfod Committee for many years.

Kevin Bush: Dedication to entertaining the residents of the Assumption Villa. Has also been involved with Eventide Homes and spent many years on the Leeton Musical and Dramatic Society.

Graham Mills: Former councillor who also volunteered at the Visitor Information Centre for many years. Volunteered for Leeton Community Transport and Leeton Basketball and now organises tours for ALOOF (A Lot Of Old Fogies).

Brian King: Volunteers his time to Meals on Wheels, Leeton Community Transport, Leeton Hospital Auxillary, Leeton Greens Rugby League Football Club and Group 20 Rugby League, among others

Elijah Ingram: Involved with the 223 Army Cadet Unit Leeton and the Aboriginal community. Provides the “Welcome to Country” at events. Elected as Leeton High School prefect and a double gold jacket winner.

Carol Kent: A dedicated nurse (casualty and theatre sister) at Leeton & District Hospital for over 35 years.

Marie Travers: A dedicated casualty and theatre sister at Leeton & District Hospital.

Hugh Milvain: Dedicated to helping and enhancing the community in various roles, including volunteering at St Vincent de Paul, being an active member on the Yanco Hall Committee and organising the Yanco Village Markets.

Nyree Dunn: Dedicated community member who spends time volunteering for a number of community groups, as well as raising funds to ensure their ongoing success and development. 

Charlie Lamont: Nominated for sportsmanship and commitment to numerous sports, particularly cricket, at a number of levels.

Tracy Catlin: Recognised for her involvement within the Whitton community, including the Whitton Town Improvement Committee, Whitton Museum, Whitton Hall Committee and Whitton Murrami P&C.

Jane O’Garey: Launched a women-only fitness program, suited to all ages and fitness levels, encouraging women to get their health and well-being on track.

Joanne Punch: Leeton Harness Racing Club secretary for over 10 years, volunteering her time to ensure harness racing events and weekly trials all run smoothly and that the sport is maintained in Leeton. 

Narelle Weymouth: Dedicated to helping people as the social inclusion officer at the Leeton Community Op Shop. Helped start the op shop and opened a tea room. Helps people with special needs and drug and alcohol problems. Starting the Leeton Community Op Shop Ball.

Alan Chesworth: Valued member of the community, volunteers with the Rotary Club of Leeton Central, Leeton Community Transport, JumpStart and the Riverina Men’s Choir. Helping keep Leeton Presbyterian Church afloat as it is currently without a minister.

Beryl Breed: Community orientated and involved with many charities over the years, volunteering for Leeton Breast Cancer Support Group, Assumption Villa, Meals on Wheels, Leeton CWA and CanAssist.

Lorraine Robertson: Tireless supporter of CanAssist Leeton, including organising a “Girls Night In” at the Wade Hotel in 2018 that raised $10,000 for CanAssist.