The region’s newest Australian citizens were also welcomed at an event in Ulladulla, with 15 people taking an oath and waving the national flag with pride. 

Shoalhaven Australia Day Ambassador Cheryl Koenig OAM made an inspirational address on the night about the importance of carers, moving many in the audience. 

The big award of the night, Citizen of the Year, was given to Ulladulla’s Aunty Nelly Mooney for her work with youth at Ulladulla High School and her commitment to Aboriginal culture.

The Highly Commended Citizen of the Year award was given to Brian Muller, of Nowra, for his work with Variety, the children’s charity.

Youth of the Year was given to 16-year-old Riley Nolan, also from Ulladulla, for his work with Budawang School, judo and positive influence on his peers. 

The Shoalhaven Inclusive award was given to Gayle Dunn, founder of the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla, an all abilities space. 

Nowra’s Chris Mitchell was given the Highly Commended Inclusive Award  for his passion to make tourism in the Shoalhaven accessible for everyone, particularly those with a disability. 

National Parks and Wildlife Services employee Noel Webster was given the Environment Award for his dedication to preserving the environment and traditional Aboriginal practices. 

Meanwhile, the region’s sporting stars were also awarded for their success. 

The Junior Sports Award went to Dante Hyam for his efforts in motocross overseas and in Australia. 

William Miller was awarded the Sports Award for his efforts on the rugby field. In 2018, he will play for the NSW Waratahs. 

The audience was entertained by the Shoalhaven Community Choir throughout the ceremony. 

Award nominees included Mason Hills, Dante Hyam, Diana Lindsay, Laurence McGinty, Bernie McLeod, Alex McNeilly, William Miller, Chris Mitchell, Di Moller, Aunty Nell Mooney, Brian Muller, Riley Nolan, Lyndel Parker-Newlyn, Elecia Parrott, Jaimie Prestley, Brian Ritchie, Alan Stephenson, Isabella Surace, Dave Tarbert, Colin Waller, Kevin Want, Dylan Anderson, Todd Barclay, Terry Barratt, Sue Borrowdale, Dianne Croft, Peter Cumes, Gayle Dunn, Anthony Hardman, Dawn Hawkins, Ron Hawthorne, Jo Frikken, Christabella Herbert-Smith, Joanne Warren, Noel Webster and Sam Wright-Smith. 

See more about the winners below. 

Citizen of the Year – Aunty Nell Mooney

Aunty Nell Mooney was awarded this great honour for her dedication to the youth of the Shoalhaven and commitment to Aboriginal culture.

Aunty Nell has established numerous organisations across the Shoalhaven, including the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Nowra Aboriginal Medical Service and the Aboriginal Homework Centre in Milton-Ulladulla.

Her tireless commitment to her culture and community has been instrumental in facilitating the International Four Winds Conference taking place in the Shoalhaven, her nomination said.

She founded the Wandarma Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) in Ulladulla and has been President of the group since its formation.

Aunty Nell is a source of cultural knowledge and is held in high esteem by the Shoalhaven Community.

Her quiet drive to inspire others to step-up has seen young Aboriginal people follow their passions, achieving at their best across many aspects of their schooling. 

Inclusive Award – Gayle Dunn

Gayle Dunn has created a legacy of hope and strength for the community as the founder of the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla.

The Dunn Lewis Centre is an all abilities accessible space that supports programs of wellbeing, sport and social activities.

Gayle has gone above and beyond by creating a youth development foundation, school holiday craft activities and making facilities for the community including Pain Management Support Group, Line Dancing Social Group, Community Arts and Craft and much more.

Gayle’s dedication to her community and passion for supporting others is an inspiration to all.

Young Citizen of the Year – Riley Nolan

The Ulladulla High School Year 11 student was awarded for his dedication to the Shoalhaven and demonstrating outstanding leadership skills.

Riley is a committed role model for his peers through his role in the high school’s Didgeridoo group. 

He is an invaluable member of his school and local community with unwavering dedication to those around him, his nomination stated.

His humble, caring nature is reflected in his work with Budawang School where he is undertaking a Certificate III in Teaching and Education.

Riley’s enthusiasm for teaching has been demonstrated in his role as junior coach with Yuukan Judo Club, mentoring children between the ages of five and15 years to learn new martial arts skills and feel confident.

This award recognises Riley’s strong leadership in his community and his role as an outstanding young ambassador for the Shoalhaven. 

Highly Commended Citizen of the Year – Brian Muller

Brian Muller is dedicated to fundraising for the Children’s Variety Club Bash and leadership in the Shoalhaven business community.

Brian has been involved with Variety South Coast in the Variety the Children's Charity Club Bash, improving the lives of sick and special needs children, for 24 years.

In the past two years, Brian has raised more than $300,000 towards supporting sick and disadvantaged children on the south coast.

Brian is held in high esteem by the Variety Club, being awarded the International Presidential Citation for his dedicated support of the organisation, his nomination stated. 

Brian has been a proud supporter of the Shoalhaven Business community as the president of the Culburra and Districts Chamber of Commerce and mentoring local businesses to reach their full potential.

Highly commended inclusive award –  Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell has a passion for making tourism in the Shoalhaven accessible for everyone, particularly those with a disability. 

He was honored with a high commended inclusive award in this year’s Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards for his “outstanding dedication to building an inclusive community and improving the lives of people with a disability”. 

For more than 25 years, Mr Mitchell has been committed to improving the design of sailing boats for people with a disabilities.

He has promoted the region as a tourism destination for people living with disabilities and their careers.

In 2016, Mr Mitchell received the outstanding contribution to South Coast tourism award by an individual at the South Coast Tourism Awards held at Albion Park.

Mr Mitchell said there was work to be done in the area of inclusive tourism in the Shoalhaven.

He has also been awarded the NSW Maritime Award, the Australia Sports Award for Business Innovation by the Australian Sports Federation and the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Business and Community Partnership.​

Environment Award - Noel Webster

Noel has dedicated his life to protecting the environment and investing in the Shoalhaven Community.

His tireless passion for the environment has empowered others on how to work with country in an environmental and sustainable way.

He has shown outstanding leadership in his role with the Mudjingaalbaraga Firesticks Program. Noel’s commitment to educating others on traditional practices is an inspiration to all.

Sports Award- William Miller

William has contributed to Rugby Union both as a participant and contributor.

He has been involved in the Shoalhaven sporting community for many years and now plays professional rugby union with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby.

William will represent the NSW Waratahs in the 2018 season and his dedication to his chosen sport continues to advance.

William remains dedicated to his local club and mentoring younger players and has also made financial contributions to his local club.

William is an outstanding ambassador for the Shoalhaven and his contribution to sport and the community is to be acknowledged.

Junior Sports Award- Dante Hyam

Dante is an outstanding leader in his sporting community, representing Australia in the Junior World Motocross Champions in Russia.

In 2017, Dante was a state champion and ranked third place in the Australian Junior Motocross Championships.

Dante receives recognition for his prowess as a Motocross sportsperson and his contribution to the sport and the Shoalhaven community.