The group has refurbished the palliative care room at the Scott Memorial Hospital, produced a brochure providing contact details for the many services available to cancer sufferers and purchased equipment to assist patients.

Scone Excellence in Tourism and Promotion of the Upper Hunter – Aberdeen Highland Games

The annual event held in July continues to draw large numbers of visitors and investment to the shire.

Aberdeen Citizen of the Year – Shane Lloyd

At the Australian Day ceremony and lunch at Aberdeen Bowling Club, Shane Lloyd was honoured as the Aberdeen Citizen of the Year.

“A recipient of the Australian Sports Medal in the year 2000, Shane has been involved heavily in local sporting organisations for many years,” Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said while presenting the award.

His skills, experience and dedication have been appreciated by all manner of sporting groups including Aberdeen Little Athletics, Muswellbrook under 12s touch, Aberdeen Rugby Club, where Shane is a life member, Aberdeen Cricket Club, and Group 21 Rugby League where Shane has been a senior selector for the past 10 years and senior manager.

Aberdeen Young Citizen of the Year – Curtis Irving.

An enthusiastic member of the ’Deen City Youth Group Committee, Curtis Irving works with others on the committee to implement his positive ideas.

Aberdeen Sportstar of the Year – Jeannie Seymour.

Jeannie Seymour has had many wins in running, athletics, shot put, hammer throwing, discus and hurdles. She competes in the NSW country championships and holds the record for six events.

Aberdeen Young Sportstar of the Year – Bailey Cullen

Bailey Cullen has achieved in Australian football, cricket and athletics. He was the junior Australian football representative for Newcastle in 2009 and last year and has received many awards for rugby. In 2009 and 2010 he was the highest wicket taker for Aberdeen Junior Cricket and in 2010 was accepted into the Hunter Academy of Sport.

Merriwa Citizen of the Year – Philomena Constable

Philomena Constable’s charitable work includes 31 years with the Red Cross including many in executive positions, nine years with St Vincent De Paul Society, the Merriwa Hospital Auxiliary, St Anne’s Parish Church, singing at the Merriwa Hostel for the Aged, voluntary catering for the bowling club, pony club, senior citizens and church activities, and transporting people to medical appointments.

Merriwa Young Citizen of the Year – Patrick Gilbey

Patrick Gilbey has volunteered at the past two Festival of the Fleeces and assisted in fund-raising for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Merriwa and District Rescue Squads. He also excels in academia and sport.

Merriwa Achiever of the Year – Lily Rodgers

In the national championships for cross country running representing Scone Grammar School, Lily also placed in the relay. Lily is a member of the NSW team for both events.

Merriwa Community Group of the Year – Rotary Club of Merriwa

The club raises money for schools, community organisations and other special programs, giving youth the opportunity to go on exchange programs, working on projects like the Merriwa Skatepark, hosting community fun nights, and offering hands-on support at many events .

Merriwa Sustainability in Business – Merriwa Hardware and McConnell’s This ‘n’ That

The husband and wife team of Ray and Carlita McConnell won one of the state’s top retail awards last year and has made a difference to Merriwa by catering to the needs of the town and enhancing the main street.

Merriwa Environmental Achievement – St Joseph’s Primary School

St Joseph’s Primary School uses herb and vegetable gardens, rain water catchment, compost and worm bins, airconditioning and solar panels to aid in the production of electricity. The school also educates students about protecting natural resources.

Murrurundi Citizen of the Year – David Edmonds

David Edmonds received an award for his leadership and commitment as president of the Murrurundi Pony Club, running the Murrurundi Cubs and Joeys, camps, fund-raising and providing different activities for young people.

Murrurundi Young Citizen of the Year – Arthur Bramley

Arthur was recognised for years of volunteering at the library, for his Public Education Award and for being a role model.

Murrurundi Sportstar of the Year – Jo Farquhar

Jo Farquhar has won numerous awards in the past two years including the 2010 Australian All Round Champion Cowgirl and the 2010 Australian Steer Un-decorating Champion with her horse Rooster.

Murrurundi Young Sportstar of the Year – Callum Smith

Callum Smith’s achievements include being named the 2010 Little Athletics Grand Champion, holding the Murrurundi Public School senior high jump record, being Murrurundi Public School school captain and being last year’s senior school cross champion.

Murrurundi Community Group of the Year – Murrurundi and District Historical Society

Volunteers display the history of Murrurundi at the museum twice a week and host exhibitions, such as Brides Revisited.