The community awards night will be held at the Bowling & Recreation Club on Friday night, starting at 6.30pm.

A steadfast campaigner for regional growth, a dedicated behind-the-scenes worker for business and tourism and the founder of a wig library are among six nominees for this year’s Guyra Citizen of the Year Award.

“People generally don’t volunteer their time to receive accolades and awards, but they are very welcome confirmation that your efforts are appreciated and making a difference," the 2018 Guyra Citizen of the Year Dot Vickery said.

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Aileen Macdonald has been nominated for her roles at the head of business and regional development, reigning as president of Regional Growth Committee and serving with the Guyra Business Chamber.

Nominated by Kerrod Gream, Aileen served two terms with Guyra Rotary and was secretary of Rotary District 9650.

Similarly, fellow nominee Martha Weiderman, nominated by Dot Vickery, dedicates her time to Rotary, the business chamber, Gala Museum and tourism promotion.

Jan Day, nominated by the Guyra Country Women’s Association, led the group’s establishment of a wig library for people undergoing cancer treatment.

The nurse and nurse educator was inspired to create the library 20 years ago after one of her friends received chemotherapy.

Heather Starr has been nominated by Dorothy Lockyer for her contribution as a steward at the Guyra Show and her many roles with the town’s CWA branch.

She is the district’s only accredited CWA State Cooking Judge and has volunteered with the Guyra Lamb & Potato Festival since it began three decades ago.

Gwyneth Pearson was nominated by Guyra Central School for her tireless work with the school, including running the Parents & Citizens committee’s Breakfast Club.

The Rural Fire Service volunteer and local cricket team coach is also involved in the Guyra Show Committee and Lamb & Potato Festival.

Half a century of volunteer work earned Jim Betts a nomination, with Rita Burns putting Jim’s name forward as a worthy candidate.

The long list of organisations benefiting from his contributions include the Guyra Veterans Golf Club, Guyra Show Society, Lions Club of Guyra and Apex Club of Guyra.

Awards will also be presented to the Young Citizen of the Year (under 25); for contributions to Sports and Recreation, Art and Culture, Community Event of the Year, and for Long-Standing Service to the Community.

Nominees for other awards include:

​Mayor Simon Murray and other dignitaries will present the awards.

“The fact that people have been nominated for all the different awards is an important recognition of their contribution,” Cr Murray said.

Professional sports broadcaster Gordon Bray AM is this year’s Australia Day ambassador for Guyra, Tingha, and Ben Lomond.

“I'm looking forward to having someone of Gordon Bray's stature coming,” Cr Murray said. “It’s a wonderful dedication to him that he likes coming to smaller communities. He chose to come to Guyra; not us choosing him.”

A busy Saturday begins with an Australia Day breakfast at Ben Lomond from 7am, with everyone invited to head to the Memorial Hall for some good Aussie tucker.

Rotary Park, Guyra, will host a flag-raising ceremony at 11am.

Outside Guyra, Armidale will hold its Australia Day Awards and a citizenship ceremony for 26 citizens in Central Park at 10am. A family barbecue, movie, and fireworks will be held in Tingha’s sport and recreation grounds from 6.30pm.

The weekend of events will wrap up with a family barbecue, movie and fireworks at the Guyra Sport & Recreation Grounds on Monday, January 28, at 6.30pm. Family-friendly movie Sherlock Gnomes will be shown in both Guyra and Tingha at dusk, followed by fireworks displays by well-known local pyrotechnician Holysmoke.

The Australia Day celebrations are organised by the Armidale Regional Council.