General news
31 January, 2025
Marie Seckold is the 2025 Bland Shire Citizen of the Year
MARIE Seckold has been named the 2025 Bland Shire Citizen of the Year in recognition of her decades of selfless service to the local community. Known as a "quiet achiever," Marie’s unwavering commitment to volunteering and supporting a wide range of community initiatives has made her a beloved figure in the region.
Marie’s impressive community involvement spans more than a decade and includes countless hours of service to organisations such as Red Cross, Can Assist, Spins, Country Hope camps, Browers Walks, and the West Wyalong Swimming Club. She has also taught religion at local schools and been an active member of St. Barnabas Anglican Church, where she served as both a Church Warden and Licensed Lay Minister.
Throughout her life, Marie has also dedicated herself to her family—being a wife, mother, grandmother, and now great-grandmother—while continuing to balance her professional and community commitments. Her career included exceptional service at the Charles Sturt Motor Inn and Cameo Inn Motel in West Wyalong, followed by a rewarding career in family day care, where she nurtured and educated young children with the same care and dedication, she applied to all her endeavours.
Upon receiving the prestigious Citizen of the Year award last Sunday at Barnado Park in front of a packed crowd of onlookers, Marie expressed how truly humbled she was by the recognition.
“I’m very glad I am able to continue doing what I do,” she said.
“I don’t do it for the recognition, but it is nice to be acknowledged. There are so many others who could be here receiving this award as well for their efforts. I want to pay tribute to the other nominees, and of course, to my family and friends who have always supported me.”
Marie’s long-standing dedication to helping others exemplifies the values of community, generosity, and compassion that the Bland Shire Citizen of the Year award aims to celebrate. Her commitment to others—whether it's through volunteering with local programs, supporting her church, or offering a loving hand to her family—has made a profound impact on the lives of many in the West Wyalong area.
Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan praised Marie for her outstanding contributions saying, “Marie’s service to our community has been truly remarkable. She is the epitome of a selfless volunteer, always putting others before herself,” Monaghan said.
“Whether it’s working with young children, offering support to the elderly, or contributing to our local church and community events, Marie’s quiet dedication has made West Wyalong a better place for everyone.”
The Bland Shire Citizen of the Year award is one of the highest honours in the region, and Marie’s recognition highlights the extraordinary contributions that often go unnoticed. Her example of tireless community work continues to inspire others to get involved and make a difference.
Bland Shire Council Australia Day Awards
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners
Community Event of the Year:
Back to Barmedman
Community Service Award:
Glenys Haworth
Young Sportsperson of the Year: Joint winners
Charlie Sutton & Evie Henley
Sportsperson of the Year:
Anne-Maree Carter
Young Citizen of the Year:
Macey Cowan
Citizen of the Year:
Marie Seckold
Read More: West Wyalong
