2025 NSW Seniors Festival celebrations

Published on 20 March 2025

The service and contributions of four local senior citizens were recognised as part of NSW Seniors Festival celebrations last week.

Heather Rushton was named Mudgee Senior Citizen of the Year for more than 40 years as a volunteer. A founding member of Mudgee Performing Arts Society 40 years ago, Heather has been involved in many productions and has coordinated the Mudgee Shorts program for the past 10 years. She is part of multiple committees including U3A, Cudgegong Camera Club, Mudgee Readers’ Festival, Mudgee Arts Council and Rotary.

Gulgong’s Senior Citizen of the Year were dual recipients, husband and wife, Bruce and Doreen McGregor. The couple contributed significantly towards the establishment of Pink Up Gulgong, in support of the McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse Program and development and commissioning of the Holtermann Museum. They have volunteered and been involved with the Cudgegong Valley Vintage Machinery Club, the Heart of Gulgong AED campaign and Gulgong Chamber of Commerce as well as supporting local sports clubs and organisations.

Joyce Bailey was named Rylstone Senior Citizen of the Year for dedicating 55 years as a volunteer to the Rylstone Hospital Auxiliary and its countless fundraisers. Joyce works as a volunteer at the Anglican Op Shop each week and assists the Rylstone Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association coordinate the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea annually.

Terrence (Terry) O’Sullivan was named Kandos Senior Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the community as a Justice of the Peace for many years and assisting numerous residents in negotiating complex government policy and processes. Terry is also a volunteer and involved with the Board of Directors at the Henbury Golf Club, Kandos Museum and Wollemi Singers.

Jenny Conlon and The Community Charity Shop both received an Acknowledgement of Significant Contribution. Jenny, for her involvement with the local arts community, Seniors Festival, Meals on Wheels, Care and Transport, Rylstone Long Lunch, Biggest Morning Tea and the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association in Rylstone. The Community Charity Shop was recognised for its contribution to supporting the community across the region, raising almost $903,000 since its establishment.

Council congratulates all award recipients and acknowledges all residents who contributed and participated in this year’s Seniors Festival.