Rugby league great Corey Payne (left) and environmental advocate Peter McLean will be special guests at this weekend’s Australia Day celebrations in the Cootamundra-Gundagai local government area. Photos: CGRC.
This Australia Day (Monday, 26 January), communities across the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council area will come alive with music, laughter and celebration.
From Carberry Park in Gundagai to Albert Park in Cootamundra, locals will gather to enjoy live entertainment, citizenship ceremonies, community awards and family-friendly activities, reflecting on the values that unite Australians and celebrating those who make a difference in their communities.
In Gundagai, the festivities begin at 8:30 am with local band The Gundaguys entertaining the crowd as visitors enjoy “Breakfast in the Park”, catered by the Gundagai Lions Club. Five new residents will receive Australian citizenship, with young Riley Lott performing the national anthem as a special highlight.
Australia Day Ambassador Corey Payne will join Mayor Abb McAlister to help present the Australia Day Awards.
Corey began his journey on the rugby league field, playing for the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, and St George Illawarra before turning his focus to creating opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
His leadership off the field earned him the NSW Young Australian of the Year Award in 2013, and a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2012 allowed him to study global programs using sport to engage young people in education.
A graduate of the University of Sydney with a Bachelor and Master of Commerce, Corey has also studied abroad in Berlin and Beijing, and completed governance training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Through his Future Direction Network, which he founded, he has awarded 32 scholarships and more than $500,000 in support to students from South-West Sydney, mentoring them to pursue higher education and study in countries including Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong and the UK.
For Corey, being an Australia Day Ambassador is about celebrating opportunity, community and giving back, inspiring Australians to reflect, respect and embrace the values that unite them.
The official Gundagai celebrations will conclude with awards recognising local excellence: Citizen of the Year Wendy Anderson, Young Citizen of the Year Zak Anderson and Sportsperson of the Year William Edwards, with Certificates of Acknowledgement presented to Gundagai Council in Exile and Gundagai RSL Sub-Branch stalwart Paul Vercoe.
Family fun continues at Gundagai Swimming Pool from noon, where MAWANG hosts a pool party with free entertainment and activities.
Meanwhile, in Cootamundra, celebrations kick off slightly earlier, at 8 am, at Albert Park.
Car enthusiasts can admire classic and vintage models on display while the Cootamundra Lions Club provides a delicious breakfast.
Entertainment includes Coota Connections and a performance by local didgeridoo player Murray Izzard, alongside an Indigenous craft corner and face painting to keep children engaged.
Four new citizens will be sworn in, and the 2026 student grants from the Cootamundra Community Education Fund will be presented, highlighting the region’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Australia Day Ambassador Peter McLean will address the crowd and assist Deputy Mayor Ros Wight with award presentations.
Raised on a rural property along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, Peter developed a deep appreciation for the environment early in life.
His professional journey began in local and state government roles, including with Warringah Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), before moving into community-focused leadership.
In 2004, Peter joined Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, managing litter reduction campaigns and programs such as Tidy Towns, later becoming CEO.
During his tenure, he strengthened the organisation’s public profile, expanded community engagement and ensured financial sustainability.
Peter’s expertise extends to strategic governance and environmental policy.
He holds a degree in Environmental Management, a Master of Business Administration with a sub-major in Business Law and Public Relations, and certifications in bush regeneration and business governance.
His leadership consistently focuses on practical solutions that deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Beyond his professional roles, Peter is passionate about grassroots community involvement.
He has served as president of the Macarthur Cycling Club and continues to advocate for sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles.
His commitment to environmental stewardship is underpinned by a simple philosophy: healthy soils mean healthy people, environments, and economies.
For Peter, being an Australia Day Ambassador is an opportunity to celebrate community, sustainability, and innovation.
He looks forward to inspiring Australians to reflect on our shared responsibility for a cleaner, greener future and to embrace the spirit of collaboration that defines our nation.
The Cootamundra celebrations continue at Cootamundra Swimming Pool from noon, with free entry and inflatable fun for families.
