Michael Broekman the toast of Gunnedah Shire as Citizen of the Year award winner

Local business identity Michael Broekman is the toast of Gunnedah Shire after being awarded the Evelyn Wise Award for Citizen of the Year.

Mr Broekman received the shire’s top honour at Monday’s Australia Day celebration held in Anzac Park. Mr Broekman was acknowledged for making an outstanding contribution and leaving a lasting positive mark on the Gunnedah community.

As managing director of Namoi Valley Bricks, he has continued a five-generation family legacy that provided long-term local employment and delivered quality traditional bricks across Australia.

Through his business leadership, community engagement and unwavering support for local initiatives, he has contributed significantly to the prosperity and character of Gunnedah, his award citation read.

Mr Broekman has shown immense leadership through significant industry challenges and has consistently supported local organisations through sponsorship, service and volunteering his time.

He is recognised as a valued mentor, always willing to share his knowledge and create value for Gunnedah.

Mr Broekman’s recognition on Australia Day was met with applause from the gathering.

Accepting the award, and in his true humble style, Mr Broekman said he would receive the honour on behalf of the business community.

“That’s why I have accepted this nomination today, because I think it’s really important that we say thanks to the wider business community that supports all the good work that we all do,” he told the gathering.

“And so if you can take the time to say thank you to your sponsors and the people that look after you, please do.”

Mr Broekman praised the many wonderful mentors in Gunnedah who offer support across the community.

“I think back after my career, and there are plenty of people who have made a lot of difference to me,” he said.

“Colleen [Fuller], you’ve been a great friend and a mentor – both you and Ron. From my first days in the coal industry, to now. It’s been wonderful.

“Ann [Luke], thank you. You were inspiring in our younger days. And I really appreciate the support and the help that you gave me in the beginning.”

Mr Broekman paid tribute to the support of his family, particularly his wife, Nicole.

However, he made special mention of his father, Gerard.

“He is my greatest mentor,” Mr Broekman said.

“He allowed me to develop into who I am today.

“Mentors in our community are hugely important, and need to be recognised, and dad was that person who didn’t like the spotlight or the recognition.

“He did a huge amount of work in the community, with these talents and efforts and using the business to support community events.

“He showed me the way and I’d like to really thank him personally and publicly for that support and to show me the way that we need to live. Thank you, dad, very much for being there for me.”

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Stephen Hopwood, pictured with his mother Natalie Walters, was awarded Young Citizen of the Year at the awards ceremony.

Steven Hopwood, the Young Citizen of the Year, was celebrated as a young leader whose commitment to community and service sets him apart.

As a youth ambassador for Meals on Wheels, he supports fundraising and community events. Steven is a gifted performer, regularly showcasing his talents at local, regional and national events for which he has received numerous arts and music awards.

He has also won a prize with his contribution to the 2025 Arts Gunnedah Annual Exhibition.

Steven is actively involved in sport, volunteering for Gunnedah Junior Rugby League, and is qualified as a Group 4 referee.

His generosity, leadership, volunteer work and passion make him an inspiring role model and valuable member of the Gunnedah community.

Cr Ann Luke with Lachlan Finnerty.

At just 10-years-old, Sportsperson of the Year winner Lachlan Finnerty has already achieved exceptional results as a locally trained tennis player.

Last year, he was selected for the under-10s state squad, requiring weekly training sessions at Sydney Olympic Park. In July, he won the under-10s singles and mixed doubles at the NSW Country Championships and in September, he won the Gunnedah Tennis Club championships; the youngest player to ever win.

Lachlan represented the region in the Northern NSW Champion of Champions in October and was a finalist in the state event. He has also been selected to attend a prestigious national training camp in Melbourne, held during the Australian Open.

The Community and Cultural Achievement was presented to the Multicultural Women’s Association. Pictured, Australia Day Working Group chair Cr Rob Hooke, Della Ussaca Vilonculo, Lisanty Evans, Erli Phillips, mayor Colleen Fuller OAM, Salote Madigibuli, Ngano Uatioa O’Brien and Jo-an Cabanas.

The volunteer-driven Multicultural Women’s Association (MWA), winner of the Community and Cultural Achievement award, has made a significant contribution to promoting cultural diversity, building community connection and supporting inclusive integration over its first five years.

Through the establishment of a multicultural playgroup, the MWA has been able to deliver multilingual storytelling, cultural music, dance and cooking classes to more than 100 participants.
They have also played a key role in supporting both new and established migrants through lessons on Australian systems, rules and culture.

The annual Multicultural Festival attracts crowds from Gunnedah and afar, showcasing diverse cultural performances and giving the community an opportunity to experience a variety of international cuisines.

Additional nominees for awards were also recognised at the celebration.

Ray Darcey was nominated in the Australia Day awards as a well-known and respected community member who goes above and beyond in his volunteering to create economic and social value for the Gunnedah Shire.

Mr Darcey has been chair of the Weeks of Speed committee for the past 25 years of its 29-year existence, focusing on attracting visitors and engaging residents during March each year.

Mr Darcey has long held an interest in motor sports and was recognised with life membership of the Gunnedah Speedway Club and Gunnedah Motorcycle Club.

He has also served as president of the Gunnedah Bowling Club and on the board of directors of the Gunnedah Services Club.

Mr Darcey was recognised with life membership of the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.

Previous Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Hugo Holmes was nominated as an experienced and successful motorbike racer.

As a proud member of the Gunnedah Motorcycle Club, Hugo won an impressive three national titles and a state title in 2025, racing locally, regionally and interstate.

He rides in the dirt track titles in the 85cc-150cc nine-13 years class. In November, he was named Motorcycling NSW 2025 Junior Dirt Track Ride of the Year – 17 years and younger.

Beyond his racing, Hugo is recognised for always displaying a high level of sportsmanship, constantly looking out for younger riders and contributing to club working bees.

Renee Neale was nominated as an extraordinary businesswoman and entrepreneur who is also a kind and generous community member.

Ms Neale started making traditional sourdough using the organic flour from her family’s business, Wholegrain Milling, 14 years ago.

Demand was so strong she moved from her own kitchen into a commercial kitchen. Since then, business has expanded to include a thriving cafe as well as a supply list of regional cafes and restaurants.

Her commitment to her business, Reverence, has contributed immensely to the vibrancy and sustainability of the community, along with employing 13 staff and encouraging their development.

Rounding out the nominees in this year’s Australia Day awards was prominent community advocate Rebecca Ryan.

Ms Ryan has a passion for the performing arts and is well-known for her tenacious community spirit. She has been a long-standing member of Arts North West and the Association of Regional Conservatoriums NSW of which she is currently vice president.

In 2009, Ms Ryan and a group of dedicated young mothers formed the Paediatric and Maternity Support Group (PRAMS), an organisation that provides material, financial and advocate support to mothers and the maternity wing of Gunnedah Hospital.

Ms Ryan is the director of the Gunnedah Conservatorium and the current chair of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society, with both roles crucial in fostering a strong arts and culture scene in Gunnedah.