Council hosted the 2017 event at Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre, and attendees were greeted by Muswellbrook Girl Guides on entry.

Throughout the morning, local talent and community pride was on display, with presentations from Wakagetti Dance Group, Muswellbrook Shire Concert Band, and Muswellbrook United Tae Kwon Do.

The Australia Day tradition of acknowledging community heroes continued during the official proceedings.

Muswellbrook Shire 2016 Citizen of the Year Chris Kane addressed those present, sharing from his time in the role.

Amy Foster was named the Muswellbrook Shire 2017 Young Citizen of the Year, for her work as a teacher, mentor, and volunteer with local dance and sport.

Miss Foster thanked Muswellbrook council for the acknowledgment.

“I feel very honoured, but I’m also shocked,” she said.

“I just love being a part of the community.”

Anthony Neate was named Muswellbrook Shire 2017 Citizen of the Year.

Mr Neate has spent decades working in the Muswellbrook community as an educator and advocate.

He also was surprised to receive the title.

“I never expected it – it’s a great honour,” he said.

“We’ve been here for nearly 50 years, and have been working in the community, and raised our family here.”

Mr Neate said he had come to know so many people in the area and his life was enriched by this.

The remaining categories were awarded as follows:

Outstanding Contributor to Culture Award – Lynne Llewelyn (Posthumous)

Youth Outstanding Contributor to Culture Award – Chris Greentree

Social Inclusion Award – Heather Boyton, Brad Keegan (Posthumous), Sharyn Franks (Posthumous)

Education Award – Cindy Hugo and Karen Payne

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Brody Perry

Services to Sport Award – Mark Wicks

Northoak Award – Neil and Margaret Raphael

Environmental Award – Martindale Landcare Group