The annual awards of Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year recognise outstanding achievement that advance the values we share as Australians - like a fair go, democracy, participation, good citizenship and diversity.

Nominees for the Citizen of the Year award include Alex McHarg, Patrick Quinn and Valerie Smith.

For the Young Achiever of the Year, Harrison Kirkwood, Kanyan Evans and Taylor Giggins have been nominated.

Mayor Sue Moore said it’s great to see so many outstanding members being recognised with a nomination this year.

 “The Australia Day Awards are a fantastic way to honour the hard work and dedication the people of our community put in to make Singleton a better place,” she said.

Read about each nominee’s outstanding achievements and contributions to Singleton down below.

Citizen of the Year Nominees

Alex McHarg

For Alex McHarg, the reward for volunteer work is in the giving. An active member of the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter, Alex champions the annual Singleton Art Prize. His efforts in fundraising have seen thousands of dollars donated to local artists or offered as grants for charities, social groups and sporting clubs.

He has also advocated for the Youth Exchange Program, and in the last 3 years has been a driving force behind the success of 3 students in the program, with another to follow this year.

When Alex isn’t volunteering his time at Rotary, you can find him mentoring young people as a scout leader, soccer coach or at the Singleton Community College.

He is also a senior instructor with the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, conducting programs for those affected by mobility through organisations like Ourcare and the local nursing homes- even conducting home visits for those who cannot attend.

Before Alex retired as a mining engineer a decade ago, he proactively participated in the local business chamber and consulted with local government as an expert opinion on the impact of mining on the region.

Patrick Quinn

A long-time resident of Singleton, Pat Quinn’s ethos is foregrounded by his volunteer work and passion for the preservation of local history.

A member of Singleton U3A and the Historical Society, Pat spends countless hours researching, documenting, conducting classes and acting as tour guide at the museum.

For over 50 years, Pat has given his time to community organisations including the Junior Rugby League, Singleton Sports Centre Management Committee, Singleton Veterans Golfers (life member and captain for 10 years), Singleton Probus Club (former President) and The Singleton Diabetic Association (former President).

Valerie (Val) Smith

For almost 30 years, Val Smith has donated her time and skills towards community organisations and charities.

Val is a member of seven community groups, sitting as treasurer on four committees including The Northern Agricultural Association Ladies Committee, Uniting Care- Elizabeth Gate Auxiliary, The Hospital Auxiliary and the Singleton Probus Club, where she has raised thousands of dollars for local causes.

She is also a member of the Embroiders Guild, Croquet Club and All Saints Anglican Church.

The ever-humble Val is known for her catering and sewing skills, her detailed financial reports, and is almost always the last person to leave a fundraising event.

Val was nominated for her untiring committed towards helping others, and her passion and dedication for the Singleton community.

Young Achiever of the Year Nominees

Harrison (Harry) Kirkwood

Harry Kirkwood is dedicated to being a voice for young people. Born with vision impairment, Harry champions a life of education, employment and social participation with the best possible level of independence and freedom for those living with a disability.

In 2016, Harry acted as an Ambassador for the Save Sight Institute, advocating for children suffering eye disease and promoting diversity. As an ambassador, Harry wrote articles for the Institute and demonstrated to families with young children suffering eye disease that their kid’s future can be bright and fulfilling.

Last year, the 21-year-old was accepted on the NSW Youth Advisory Council, where he played a key role in shaping youth-related policy, meeting regularly with the Minister of Youth Affairs and the Advocate for Children and Young People.

Harry is currently studying a Certificate IV in Community Service at Hamilton TAFE.

Kanyan Evans

Kanyan has been nominated for Young Achiever of the Year for the example he provides to other young people.

Despite facing personal hardship in 2017, Kanyan’s outlook on life is one of positivity. Notwithstanding the adversity he has endured, Kanyan has maintained a respectful and optimistic demeanour, and continues to actively attend school in the hope to study Law after graduating high school this year.

The 17-year-old’s goal is to be able to offer legal aid services to other young people.

Kanyan’s proactive attitude saw him gain part-time employment and purchase a vehicle in 2017 to lessen the burden on those caring for him. His zest for life and what the future can bring sees Kanyan as an inspiration to others at the Singleton Youth Venue, a shining example of a young person’s self-belief enabling them to overcome obstacles.

Taylor Giggins

Taylor Giggins is deeply passionate in ensuring she leads by example with positivity and integrity. As captain of Singleton High School last year, the 18-year-old represented both the school and community at various events, including meeting the Governor General and Minister for Education.

Passionate about youth issues and gender equality, while at school she attended the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, delivered an award-winning essay to the Singleton International Women’s Day function, and advocated for young people at the Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue’s annual forum.

In 2017, Taylor was the driving force behind school fundraising events for the Dunedoo/Coolah fire appeal, Beanies for Brain Cancer, Tommy’s Day and the Cancer Council, raising almost $12,000.

Taylor excelled both academically and in the sporting arena in 2017, and has accepted an early entry offer to the University of New England.​