Mayor Ruth Whittle OAM was delighted to present the Australia Day winners with their Awards at the recent Australia Day Breakfast held in the Peterborough Town Hall on Monday 26 January 2026.
Image: Mayor Ruth Whittle OAM, Grace Joan Campbell (Citizen of the Year Award), Frank Hardbottle on behalf of the Peterborough Miniature Railway for the Father's Day Event (Community Event of the Year Award) and Marguerite Deanne Walker (Young Citizen of the Year Award)
Grace Joan Campbell – Citizen of the Year
How has the person/organisation contributed to the community?
Grace Campbell has made an outstanding contribution to the Peterborough community through her long-standing commitment to caring for others and strengthening community connection. Widely known and trusted, Grace has dedicated many years to supporting residents across Peterborough and surrounding towns.
At her own expense, Grace regularly visits community members to check on their wellbeing, provide information, and ensure people feel supported and connected. She gives her time freely, offering practical assistance such as gardening, lawn maintenance, and general help for residents who are unable to manage these tasks themselves.
Grace visits many people daily, often providing companionship and reassurance to those who may be isolated or lonely. Her ongoing presence and willingness to help have created a strong sense of care and belonging within the community.
How has the nominee demonstrated active citizenship and enhancement of community life?
Grace demonstrates active citizenship through her consistent, hands-on involvement in the lives of others. She shows genuine concern for the welfare of the community and regularly goes above and beyond to support those who are unwell, vulnerable, or in need.
Her deep knowledge of the community and regular contact with residents has helped ensure people are not overlooked. On occasion, her concern and attentiveness have assisted authorities in locating individuals who required welfare checks. Grace’s actions reflect a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and community-mindedness.
Through her dedication, Grace has strengthened social ties, increased community awareness, and fostered a culture of care and mutual support.
How has the nominee’s contribution been recognised elsewhere?
Grace has been an active and respected member of the Peterborough Kingdom Hall for 35 years, where she is recognised for her leadership, commitment, and service to others. Despite being 89 years of age, she remains actively involved, continuing to visit and support community members.
She is widely appreciated and admired for her generosity, reliability, and lifelong dedication to community service, and is regarded as a valued role model within both her faith group and the wider community.
Peterborough Miniature Railway – Father’s Day Event – Event of the Year
Reasons why you think the event should be awarded
The Peterborough Miniature Railway Father’s Day Event, held on 7 September, was the culmination of seven years of dedicated volunteer effort, community enterprise, and local pride. The event marked a significant milestone for the community and celebrated the successful delivery of a much-loved community asset.
The day itself was a great success. With fine weather and green, well-prepared grounds, the railway operated three trains continuously from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Families gathered to celebrate Father’s Day, with more than 200 visitors attending and over 160 train rides enjoyed by children and adults alike. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by banners, marquees, a sausage sizzle, cold drinks, and a Show and Shine event in the Steamtown car park, creating an enjoyable and inclusive day out for all ages.
However, this event represented far more than a single day of celebration. It was a reflection of seven years of planning, building, fundraising, and landscaping carried out by committed club members. The wider community’s support has been outstanding from the very beginning, with individuals, local businesses, service groups, and supporters from outside the district contributing sponsorship, donations, time, equipment, and services.
Many community members have followed the development of the miniature railway over the years, and it was deeply rewarding to see such strong attendance and enthusiasm on the day. The positive atmosphere reflected the determination, resilience, and cooperation of the Peterborough community.
This event was driven, funded, and built by the community, for the community. It stands as a clear example of what can be achieved through collective effort and deserves recognition as an outstanding community event.
Marguerite Deanne Walker – Young Citizen of The Year
Reasons why you feel the nomination should be awarded
Marguerite Deanne Walker is a valued young member of the Peterborough community through her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to serving the public. In her role at Foodland Peterborough, Marguerite consistently demonstrates professionalism and courtesy, always engaging with customers in a pleasant and respectful manner.
Her dedication is outstanding. Marguerite regularly works weekends and public holidays and willingly takes on extra shifts when needed, never complaining and always showing pride in her work. Her reliability and willingness to support her workplace contribute directly to the smooth operation of an essential local service.
It is commendable to see a young person who genuinely enjoys their job and is prepared to go above and beyond for both their employer and the community. Marguerite’s attitude and commitment set a positive example for other young people and make her a deserving nominee for Young Citizen of the Year.