Australia Day Neergabby Breakfast & Citizen of the Year Awards 2026

Published on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 9:12:45 AM

On Monday 26 January, the Shire hosted its annual Australia Day Breakfast and Citizen of the Year Awards at Neergabby. Albeit slightly cool for a change, the morning was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees.

Shire President Cr Linda Balcombe presided over the pledging of 3 new Australian Citizens:

  • Isabelle Chofflon
  • Janine Nellany-Rogers
  • Jacquelin Ruhmann
After the citizenship ceremony, the winners of the Citizen of the Year Awards 2026 were announced:

  • 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Award: Sharon Bodle
  • 2026 Senior Community Citizen of the Year Award: Pat Shinnick
  • 2026 Young Community Citizen of the Year: Bree Del Borrello
  • 2026 Active Citizenship of the Year Award (Group/Event): Jade Hamlyn – Lancelin Primary School P&C Monster Fete
Congratulations to the Shire of Gingin’s newest Aussie citizens and award recipients!

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to the Neergabby Community Association for catering the breakfast and for the use of the grounds as well as Kelea Gardner for the entertainment.

We'd also like to extend special thanks to guest speaker Bob Sheppard, our Elected Members for facilitating the presentation of awards and our amazing Community Development and Services team Andi, Olivia and Jess for not only organising one but three awesome Australia Day events.

We will be uploading photos from the day’s three events to a Facebook album, so keep your eye out for that.













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