It was an Australia Day during one of the most difficult times for this nation in recent memory, so it's only fitting that the Mid-Western Region ceremony at Rylstone recognised locals that help those doing it tough.
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The recipient of the Citizen of the Year award was Jan Pirie, a retired registered nurse and committed volunteer in the Mudgee community - including as a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.
Although it was her own experience as a cancer survivor, that lead to her to volunteering with the Mudgee branch of Can-Assist to support others going through their cancer journey and their families.
"I feel quite humbled by this award. I'm not alone in what I do, I work with a wonderful team of volunteers," she said upon accepting the honour.
"When you're diagnosed with cancer it does rock your world. And after having my cancer journey in 2012, after the treatment I had, I wanted to help others. Having been a nurse for 50 years, it just came naturally that I could help and care for people."
Jan has been the local Can-Assist secretary since 2015, and said they always welcome new members.
Young Citizen of the Year was Ned Dickson, who founded the Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours in 2018 to provide locals and tourists with the historical understanding of the town. He hopes that it continues to grow into the future to offer new sites and talks.
In his address, the Region's Australia Day Ambassador, Khushaal Vyas, reflected on the gravity of the occasion "in the context of some of our most difficult times in recent memory".
"Australia Day 2020 will be the most important Australia Day we celebrate in a really, really long time. One where we have the chance to reflect on our values, in the context of one of the worst bushfire, climate and drought crises our country has ever seen," he said.
"A time when people have lost homes, livelihoods, lives - in many ways it becomes an Australia Day with heavy hearts.
"To come to the Mid-West and give a speech encouraging everyone to celebrate and in the context of the last few months that's a little bit hard to do. But if anything, this Australia Day is different.
"Rather than the generic toast to Australia we normally have, today gives us a chance to reflect. And give ourselves a difficult but important reminder as to why Australia and being Australian is truly worth celebrating.
"Because to me the Australian identity is something that's been forged and laid bare for all to see during times of crisis. Like our wartime stories, like these fires, time and time again Australia has shown that our most trying hours are our finest."
2020 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD WINNERS
Citizen of the Year - Jan Pirie;
Young Citizen of the Year - Ned Dickson;
Community Event of the Year - Rylstone Bull-A-Rama;
Glen Johnston Memorial Award, Music and Arts - Scott Etherington;
Sports Award - Ben Harris;
Volunteer Services Award - Julie Clare Parsons/ We Care Community Shop;
Wall of Reflections - Amelia Helen Morrison, 'Aunty Mary' Elizabeth Hooker, and Ronald Wellsmore.