Community spirit shines at the 2026 Australia Day Awards
Published on 26 January 2026
Cowra Shire Mayor, Cr Paul Smith, announced today that Jenny Friend has been named Cowra Shire’s 2026 Citizen of the Year.
The announcement was made at the Australia Day Awards presentations held at the Cowra Civic Centre.
The Citizen of the Year Award was one of several honours presented on the day, alongside the Young Citizen of the Year, Community Group of the Year and the Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts and Culture.
Before announcing the award recipients, Cr Smith thanked the many volunteers who contribute to the Cowra Shire community and commended all nominees for their outstanding contributions to the community.
“We received a very strong field of nominations this year, highlighting the depth of kindness, volunteerism and leadership within our Shire,” Cr Smith said. “Every nominee deserves recognition and thanks for the role they play in making Cowra a strong, connected and caring community.”
Adam Thain was named Cowra Shire Young Citizen of the Year, Cowra Driver Reviver received the Community Group of the Year Award, and Graham Apthorpe was presented with the Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts and Culture.
“On Australia Day, we pause to reflect on what brings us together, and these awards are a powerful reminder that community spirit remains one of Cowra’s greatest strengths,” said Cr Smith.
Profiles of the 2026 Australia Day Award recipients follow.
Cowra Citizen of the Year 2026
Jenny Friend
Jenny Friend is one of Cowra’s quiet powerhouses of community service. A retired Special Needs Coordinator, Jenny now pours her time and heart into an extraordinary range of volunteer roles. She helps lead the Cowra Eisteddfod as a vice president, minutes secretary and Life Member, still coordinating speech and drama with passion. As president of Lachlan Legacy and secretary of the Cowra contact group, she supports veterans’ families across multiple towns and proudly helped stage Legacy’s 100th Anniversary Torch Run.
Jenny also chairs Cowra Community Chest, serves as vice chair of Meals on Wheels, contributes to Red Cross emergency services, and continues to be a driving force in the Cowra Music and Dramatic Society.
Whether supporting seniors, organising arts programs, or helping residents through illness, loss or loneliness, Jenny shows up with humility, compassion and reliability. Cowra’s 2025 Lions Citizen of the Year, she is the embodiment of service—making her community richer, stronger and more connected.
Cowra Young Citizen of the Year 2026
Adam Thain
Adam is a dedicated, community-minded young man whose quiet leadership and unwavering commitment have made a remarkable impact across Cowra and Woodstock. He volunteers countless hours with the Army Cadets, supporting overnight excursions, training programs, and leadership development for young people. His calm guidance helps shape confident, respectful future leaders.
Beyond cadets, Adam is a vital contributor to the Woodstock Pool, where he assists with maintenance, repairs, and welding to keep the facility safe and welcoming.
In his role as a Student Learning Support Officer at Cowra High School, Adam is highly respected for his compassion, patience, and ability to connect with students. His support fosters a more inclusive learning environment and makes a meaningful difference in students’ daily lives.
Adam is an outstanding role model. He consistently demonstrates initiative, creativity, and a firm commitment to helping others. Congratulations Adam.
Cowra Community Group of the Year 2026
Cowra Driver Reviver
The Cowra Driver Reviver is more than a roadside rest stop—it’s a lifeline for travellers and a shining example of community collaboration. Staffed and coordinated by a dedicated committee and supported by local volunteers and groups such as the CWA and Lions Club, Cowra’s Driver Reviver has remained open during public and school holidays, when many others cannot.
Providing free refreshments, snacks, and advice on staying alert, the service plays a crucial role in reducing fatigue-related accidents and improving road safety across Cowra and surrounding areas. But it’s not just about safety—travellers consistently comment on the warmth and friendliness of the volunteers, who share a smile, a chat, and insights about the history and attractions of Cowra, leaving visitors with a lasting positive impression.
Through perseverance, coordination, and a strong sense of community, Cowra Driver Reviver continues to protect lives and showcase the very best of what a connected, caring town can achieve.
Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts and Culture
Graham Apthorpe
Graham Apthorpe is a pillar of Cowra’s arts, culture, and community life. Since arriving in Cowra in the late 1980s, Graham has dedicated over 35 years to preserving and sharing the Shire’s rich history, particularly its World War II heritage. His meticulous research and storytelling have brought Cowra’s POW Camp, the Breakout, and the experiences of Indonesian internees to life through books, exhibitions, heritage trails, public talks, and innovative interpretive projects, including the holographic display at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre, the replica guard tower at the POW Camp, and the 75th anniversary memorial sculpture.
Beyond historical preservation, Graham has served as Chair for multiple POW Camp commemorations and as Secretary of the Cowra Breakout Association since 2003, guiding it from a veterans’ group to a community-focused organisation promoting education, remembrance, and reconciliation. His contributions have been recognised internationally, including by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024 for fostering mutual understanding.
Graham’s generosity extends across Cowra through St Raphael’s Catholic Church, the Cowra Pistol Club, the Lions Club, and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society. His unwavering commitment, leadership, and creativity have enriched Cowra’s cultural identity and community life, making him a deserving nominee for the Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award.
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