Australia Day award recipients Chloe Little, John Schrader and Maureen Field.
The 2026 Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards were announced at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Sunday evening.
Each of the following award recipients has made a meaningful contribution to their community, embodying the strength, pride, and spirit of Forbes Shire.
Forbes Citizen of the Year, John Schrader: John has long been a pillar of numerous organisations in and around the Forbes region. A dedicated volunteer, he contributes his time and expertise across a wide range of sporting, agricultural, and charitable committees.
He works tirelessly for many local organisations, including Forbes Junior and Senior Rugby League, Veteran Car Rallies, CanAssist, Anzac Day ceremonies, and various Forbes motorcycle charity events.
John’s unwavering commitment, reliability and community spirit make him an invaluable and deeply appreciated member of the Forbes community.
Forbes Senior Citizen of the Year, Maureen Field: Maureen joined CanAssist in 2001 and has served as Treasurer for an impressive 25 years. Her contribution extends far beyond managing finances. Maureen works tirelessly to secure wider, fairer and more accessible benefits for country patients. Her efforts help ensure that rural residents, especially those who travel long distances for cancer treatment or other essential medical services, receive the support they need.
Maureen is an active member of several local organisations, including the Parish of Forbes St Laurence O’Toole and the View Club, where she contributes generously to their ongoing work.
Forbes Young Citizen of the Year, Chloe Little: Chloe is an emerging young leader within the Forbes community. Chloe is a member of the Forbes Youth Action Team.
Since joining, she has taken on a natural mentoring role. Her leadership is evident through her willingness to step up for key responsibilities, including being nominated as the emcee for the Teddy Bears Picnic.
In addition to her work with FYAT, Chloe serves as School Captain of Forbes High School, further reflecting her strong leadership qualities. She has also represented the Youth Action Team at the Tidy Towns Awards. Chloe’s combination of leadership, mentorship and initiative makes her an inspiring role model for young people.