The town of Jindabyne has many residents who advocate for continually improving the town and the area through their volunteer efforts. These citizens were acknowledged in the 2026 Australia Day Awards held at John Connors Oval.
The special guest speaker was George Ellis, a highly acclaimed Australian conductor and composer, and the ceremony was also attended by the Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor, Chris Hanna and MLC Nichole Overall. Local identity Matt Tripet was the emcee for the occasion.
Jindabyne Citizen of the Year
The Jindabyne Citizen of the Year was awarded to Dougie Graham for his efforts to raise awareness for men’s mental health and raise funds for worthwhile causes.
Dougie is the founder of the popular Santa Claus Pub Crawl, where hundreds of young Jindabyne men gather to ride bikes from one pub to the next. The event has raised over $80,000 in the past five years.
“It grew from about 60 guys and has grown to well over 300 guys. We all get together, it’s a day about making new friends, enjoying the community and we get around the town on bikes dressed up as Santa Claus,” said Dougie Graham as he made a humble speech on receiving the award.
Dougie Graham with George Ellis and Matt Tripet, making an emotional and humble speech and the Santa Claus Pub Crawl group at the Jindabyne Brewery.
“All at the same time, we are raising money for local families, local charities that might just need that little bit extra hand at the time. What I’ve seen it become is far out, it’s way past what I thought it was going to become. It’s a really good day for blokes in the community, and I think the community gets a good laugh out of it as well when you see us all riding around the streets.”
“I’m stoked to see what it's become.”
Senior Citizen of the Year
Sally Weston received the Senior Citizen of the Year for her efforts in local organisations, including the Jindabyne Pony Club and Monaro Equestrian Association. She has also contributed to the Snowy Heritage Centre and is committed to ensuring the heritage and stories of the Snowy Mountains are passed down to future generations. More recently, Sally has been a key contributor to aged care in the area.
Junior Citizen of the Year
Saskia Dutch received the Junior Citizen of the Year award for her work with the local Jindabyne Bushpigs Rugby Union Club. As the publicity manager and events coordinator, Saskia is responsible for promoting matches and events, community activities, and strengthening the club's relationship with the wider community.
Community Service Award
Claire Rogerson was recognised with the Community Service Award. As founder and driving force behind the Snowy Brumby Horsemanship Charity, a community association supporting people and horses in the Snowy Mountains region, Claire has created meaningful change for rescued and rehomed horses.
Senior Sports Group of the Year
The Jindabyne Park Run was awarded the Senior Sports Group of the Year. Rain. Hail or shine, the Jindabyne Park Run group is committed to getting the local community healthier and fitter. Every Saturday morning at 8am, the group meets and welcomes not only residents, but many visiting Park Run guests from afar as they run and walk along the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Path. The award was accepted by key organiser Erin Lee.
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Kirra Burke received the award for Young Sportsperson of the Year. Kirra is a testament to the homegrown Jindabyne sporting prowess, starting in the U10 Piglets in rugby union and progressing to major sporting achievements, including the ACT Brumbies U17s, representative of various Australian Defence Force rugby union teams and coach of various national and international rugby teams.
Environmental Award
Jindabyne residents are aware of Petra Richter’s efforts to clean up Jindabyne and the environment, and she was a worthy recipient of the Environmental Award. Petra is a local icon and clean-up guru, tirelessly committed to removing rubbish from the region's highways. Along with her family, and other locals she has recruited, she can be seen early, late and in the heat of the day collecting rubbish because she really cares about our local environment and wants to see it pristine for locals and visitors alike. Her award was accepted by her son, Michael, in her absence.
Petra Richter won the Environmental Award, with her son, Michael, accepting the award and pictured with George Ellis and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan.
The 2026 awards ceremony was hosted by the Snowy Mountains Community Association, with particular thanks to Joan Bird, John Mcloughlin and Councillor Nick Elliot. Local musicians Sue Sell and Erin Lee from Cool Change provided music on the day.
