Council hosted the 2017 event at Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre, and attendees were greeted by Muswellbrook Girl Guides on entry.

Throughout the morning, local talent and community pride was on display, with presentations from Wakagetti Dance Group, Muswellbrook Shire Concert Band, and Muswellbrook United Tae Kwon Do.

The Australia Day tradition of acknowledging community heroes continued during the official proceedings.

Amy Foster was named the Muswellbrook Shire 2017 Young Citizen of the Year, for her work as a teacher, mentor, and volunteer with local dance and sport.

Anthony Neate was named Muswellbrook Shire 2017 Citizen of the Year.

Mr Neate has spent decades working in the Muswellbrook community as an educator and advocate.

The remaining categories were awarded as follows:

Outstanding Contributor to Culture Award – Lynne Llewelyn (Posthumous)

Youth Outstanding Contributor to Culture Award – Chris Greentree

Social Inclusion Award – Heather Boyton, Brad Keegan (Posthumous), Sharyn Franks (Posthumous)

Education Award – Cindy Hugo and Karen Payne

Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Brody Perry

Services to Sport Award – Mark Wicks

Northoak Award – Neil and Margaret Raphael

Environmental Award – Martindale Landcare Group