Inspiring achievements recognised at 2025 Cowra Australia Day Awards
Published on 26 January 2025
Lusi Austin has been announced Cowra’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
“Lusi is a dynamo, bringing infectious enthusiasm to every task that she undertakes. Since her arrival in Cowra ten years ago, Lusi has taken a great interest in the history of the town, in particular the stories of our first nation people, the Wiradjuri, and the story of the Cowra Breakout. Lusi’s ability to constantly deliver high-quality projects that entertain and educate locals and visitors alike is a unique gift she constantly gives to our community, making her a very worthy Citizen of the Year,” Mayor of Cowra, Cr Paul Smith said.
Council was also pleased to make a special presentation of the Cowra Community Service Medal to former Cowra Mayor, Bill West at today’s Australia Day Service at the Cowra Civic Centre.
“The Cowra Community Service Medal is awarded by a resolution of Council and at the discretion of Council, to recognise a person whose contribution over a period of time both to Cowra and the broader community is so exceptional that this highest of accolades can be given.
Bill has been a guiding force in shaping Cowra’s growth and development over the past two decades. Bill’s strategic vision and tireless efforts have left a lasting mark on our region, and he is a very worthy recipient of this award,” Cr Smith said.
The Citizen of the Year Award was one of a number of awards made today. The Lachlan Valley Railway Society was named Community Group of the Year, Callie Bridges was named Young Citizen of the Year and Richard Neate received the Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award for Arts and Culture.
Cr Smith said the Award recipients this year had come from a very strong field.
“We must congratulate all the nominees across all categories for their exceptional contribution to our community; they all deserve our applause and gratitude,” Cr Smith said.
“Kindness and community leadership continue to shine bright in the Cowra Shire. Our people make our community what it is and the Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the individuals and community groups who are selflessly helping others in our Shire,” Cr Smith concluded.
Profiles of this year’s Australia Day Award recipients follows:
Citizen of the Year
Lusi Austin
Lusi is a writer, a playwright, a director, a composer, a musician, a performer, a historian and a creative spirit who has made a significant contribution to our Shire.
Since her arrival in Cowra ten years ago, Lusi has taken a great interest in the history of the town, inspiring her to create a series of community-based activities that have spread the story of the Cowra-Japan relationship far beyond Cowra Shire.
These include writing and directing historical productions for the Cowra Breakout Commemorations; writing and self-publishing the children's book 'Jack's visit to Cowra'; and writing the lyrics for the final act of Nicholas Gentile's 'World Peace Suite'.
In 2024 Lusi wrote, produced and directed 'Intertwined', a full-scale musical production focusing on the Cowra Breakout that had its triumphant world premiere in July 2024.
Lusi’s "can do" attitude and her ability to constantly deliver high-quality projects that entertain and educate locals and visitors alike is a unique gift she constantly gives to our community.
Young Citizen of the Year
Callie Bridges
Callie was a 2024 Vice-Captain of Cowra High School, a role that she has carried out with responsibility, skill and dignity.
Callie is a senior member of the Cowra Youth Council, where she has balanced her commitments with her Year 12 studies, including her participation in the Youth Peace Forum, Youth Week activities, NAIDOC Week and Children's Week Family Fun Days.
Callie has been a member of the Cowra Ballet School Family for over 13 years, and is now an Assistant Teacher. She has participated in many community performances over the years and is always ready to give time and guidance to the younger students. Her maturity, commitment and reliability are highly valued by both Cowra Ballet School and the Youth Council.
Callie has also been a member of the Indigenous dance group, Wagambirra for several years and has participated in many welcome and dance ceremonies throughout the community.
Cowra Community Group of the Year
Lachlan Valley Railway Society
The Lachlan Valley Railway Society (better known as the LVR) has been based in Cowra for almost 50 years and has held a special place in the hearts of many locals as a living reminder of the days when Cowra truly was a railway town.
Despite many setbacks outside its control, including the government's closure of all operational rail lines in the area, the LVR has survived, changing from an operational rail facility into a rail heritage centre.
The LVR’s dedicated group of volunteers, with the support of local Cowra businesses have undertaken extensive restoration projects to refurbish the Cowra Rail Heritage Centre over the years.
A restored lounge carriage is now used for various functions and once a month becomes an elegant cafe where Devonshire Teas are served. The more recent restoration of a Locomotive and two carriages has seen monthly heritage tourist rail services offered, cementing the LVR and the Cowra Locomotive Depot’s place as one of the major tourist attractions for the Shire.
Dr Warren Whiley Memorial Award
Richard Neate
Richard Neate is the sort of member that every community organisation needs. Hard working, dedicated, supportive of others, and always willing to lend a hand regardless of what needs to be done. Richard has been that member to both the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc. and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society (better known as the M&D) for a combined total of over 35 years.
Richard joined the Cowra M&D soon after arriving in town in the early 2000s. His first on-stage appearance was in the highly successful production of 'The Crucible'. Richard subsequently became a regular on the Cowra stage, appearing in a variety of plays and musicals.
In 2004 Richard was elected to the position of Treasurer of the Cowra M&D and continues in that position today. For his dedication and years of service he was made a life member of the society in 2019.
As well as the M&D, Richard has made a significant contribution to the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc. where he has held the position of Treasurer since 2010 and his significant volunteer work has guided the Eisteddfod forward with online entries and programming. Richard is also a life member of the Cowra Eisteddfod Inc.
Richard has made a long-lasting and significant contribution to the arts in Cowra Shire and beyond.
Ends
Caption (Aus Day 2025_Lusi Austin.jpg): Cowra’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador Ben Farinazzo, with Cowra’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, Lusi Austin and Mayor of Cowra, Paul Smith.