The Berrigan Amateur Dramatic Society was named Berrigan Shire’s Community Organisation of the Year.
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The Barooga community spirit was celebrated on Australia Day, with a variety of locals honoured with special awards and many new citizens welcomed at a ceremony held at the Barooga Botanical Gardens.
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Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean proudly handed out four Australia Day awards and welcomed 13 new Australian citizens to the shire.
“We take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and groups who make our shire stronger, kinder and more connected through our Berrigan Shire,” she said.
“Australia Day is about coming together as a community to reflect on our different stories and experiences.
“To celebrate the contributions of those around us and to look ahead with respect and optimism.”
The community all pitched in to support the event, with the Barooga Public School providing a delicious breakfast and Odesi Coffee providing amazing coffee.
The ceremony included the 2026 Barooga Public School captains Harley Ranken and Harper Paroissien raising the Australian flag
The ceremony also featured a speech from one of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers, Warren Davies, who is known as ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’.
Berrigan Shire Australia Day award winners 2026:
Citizen of the year: Valerie Lockman.
Berrigan Shire Citizen of the Year Valerie Lockman.
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Young Citizen of the year: Angus Maughan.
Berrigan Shire Young Citizen of the Year Angus Maughan.
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Sports Person or Team of the year: Berrigan Football Club’s fourths team
Members of the Berrigan fourths football team at the Barooga Australia Day ceremony.
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Community group or event of the year: Berrigan Amateur Dramatic Society.
