Community champions Ruth Holmes from Dorrigo and Peter Brotherton from Urunga were named as Female and Male Seniors of the year for Oxley as part of the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival.
Out of the 24 seniors nominated, four were chosen for the major awards, all presented by Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp.
Ruth was recognised for being a passionate and tireless advocate for her community across Dorrigo and Bellingen.
As a member of the Dorrigo Rotary Club and Mountain Top Landcare, Ruth has consistently worked to improve local outcomes for the community, farmers and the environment.
Ruth has also played an important role in promoting events such as the Dorrigo Plateau Farm Safety Awareness Day and actively advocates for Waterfall Way.
“Ruth Holmes is a shining example of dedication, compassion, and tireless community service, earning her the well-deserved title of Oxley Female Senior of the Year 2026,” Mr Kemp said.
“Throughout her life, Ruth has shown an unwavering commitment to helping others and making the Dorrigo region a stronger, safer, and more connected community.”
“Ruth has also been an active member of the district Suicide Prevention Committee, working quietly but powerfully to support mental health in her community. At every turn, Ruth Holmes continues to inspire through action, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference.”
Peter Brotherton scored the Male Senior of the Year Award for being the driving force behind the continued success of the Lions Club of Urunga.
After helping rebuild the club in 2014, he went on to serve as President across multiple terms. Peter is a dedicated volunteer, contributing to the club’s fundraising efforts which return around $7,000 annually to the community. One of his most impactful initiatives has been supporting the Urunga Primary School P&C to fund the school canteen, a contribution that has allowed the canteen to expand its operation from three to five days a week.
The Lifetime Senior Achievement Award went to Ray Walkden of Kempsey, and the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre Bazaar won the Seniors Community Group of the Year.
“Across the four valleys of Oxley, it is our seniors who have helped build the strong, connected communities we have today,” Mr Kemp said.
“They’re the ones fundraising for hospitals, backing local sporting clubs and giving their time because they genuinely care about their community.”
“To be recognised by your peers is something truly special, and each of the nominees and award recipients should be incredibly proud of the difference they have made.”
