More than 200 people crammed into the Merriwa RSL Club to not only celebrate our national day but to recognise those members of the community, who have made significant contributions in a variety of fields.

With Australia Day Ambassadors John Paul Young and Pauline Carrigan looking on, an impressive array of nominees were introduced to the crowd – Jim Alker, Robert Gill, Barbara Campbell, Gwen Meyer, Beatrice Voysey, Jodie Wilton, John Cronin, John Whitby, Hayley Fairfull, Lachlan Walmsley, Breanna Goodear, Suzanne Duggan, Beth Piper – Springvale Lamb, Max McNaught – Max’s Country Cuts, Peter and Elaine Gallagher, Merriwa Central School – Regent Honeyeater Restoration Project, Jack Carrigan, Merriwa Country Women’s Association and Merriwa Central School – ROAR.

The students from St Joseph’s Merriwa also played a major role, performing the National Anthem to the delight of everyone.