Singleton’s Australia Day festivities recognise outstanding citizens

Published on 26 January 2025

After a successful event to mark Australia Day Eve at the annual Twilight in Singleton’s Townhead Park, the celebrations have continued with the announcement of Singleton’s most outstanding citizens for 2025.

Paramedic Nigel Korff was named the 2025 Citizen of the Year at the official Australia Day ceremony at Singleton Civic Centre on 26 January 2025, recognising 40 years as a volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service and his role as a crew member as part of the record number of helicopter rescues in a single day in the 2022 Lismore floods.

Singleton High School alumni Dr Jared Lawrence was honoured for Young Achiever of the Year for his impact on improving the health and well-being of the Singleton community and executing an exceptional vision for the future of rural healthcare as he undertook his training as a doctor.

Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said this year’s nominees for both Citizen of the Year and Young Achiever of the Year formed an impressive and inspiring list.

“There are so many people in our community who make an outstanding contribution and achieve so much for everyone in Singleton, and it was another tough year for our Australia Day Committee when they were considering all the nominees,” she said.

“I sincerely congratulate Nigel on this worthy recognition of decades of community service, not just in Singleton but even further afield in times of crisis, and Jared for what he is already doing to inspire the next generation in Singleton to pursue careers in health and to adopt healthier lifestyles.”

Cr Moore said it was wonderful to see so many people turn out to celebrate Australia Day in Singleton this year, starting with Twilight and continuing at the official proceedings which included an address by Australia Day Guest Lieutenant Colonel Jarrod Brook, the Commanding Officer School of Infantry, and 11 new Australians who were welcomed in the Citizenship Ceremony.

“Australia Day is one of our most important community occasions when we come together to celebrate what we all have in common as Australians and everything that makes our community so exceptional,” she said.

“It’s also a very significant occasion for the 11 people who came from all over the world – including South Africa, Turkiye, Philippines, Vietnam, United Kingdom and the United States to become Australians in Singleton and such a joy to share in their special day.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone enjoying all the festivities around this important occasion, and I hope everyone will continue to celebrate safely across the long weekend.”