Australia Day award recipients Mark Ritchie and Nenyasha Munodawafa.
The 2026 Parkes Australia Day Awards were announced by Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott and presented by Ambassador Dr Skye Charry, in Cooke Park on Monday 26 January. Congratulations to the following Parkes Shire Civic award recipients.
Parkes Citizen of the Year, Mark Ritchie: Mark Ritchie is a true example of a citizen who serves his community through both his vocation and voluntary work. Mark first came to Parkes as an electrical trades teacher with TAFE, later working as a training coordinator at Northparkes Mines before returning to TAFE part-time after retirement.
His passion for teaching and mentoring young people has continued for decades, including voluntarily tutoring apprentices.
Also volunteering with Apex, coaching tennis, assisting local schools, and joining the Rotary Club of Parkes in 2014. A past president and current youth director, he leads programs such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Science Forums, and the Youth Program of Enrichment, as well as the Rotary Driving Simulator experience.
Mark consistently identifies community needs and steps up to meet them, from fitting alarms for older residents to mentoring youth. His 40 years of dedicated service make him a deserving of the award.
Parkes Junior Citizen of the Year, Nenyasha (Asha) Munodawafa: Nenyasha “Asha” Munodawafa is a young leader and the founder of The Hey Sis Project, a youthled initiative empowering and inspiring young women across Parkes and the Central West. Guided by the belief that every girl deserves a safe and inclusive space, Asha has created programs that foster wellbeing, leadership, confidence, and connection.
Through The Hey Sis Project, Asha has coordinated impactful events including an all-girls Galentine’s Day celebration, community fundraisers for the McGrath Foundation and Do It For Dolly, and weekly all-girls cardio tennis squads that promote resilience, physical activity, and friendship.
Asha’s exceptional drive, compassion, and leadership have been widely recognised, including receiving the Young Volunteer Achievement Award at the 2024 Tennis NSW Awards. Her dedication to empowering girls and creating lasting community impact makes her a truly deserving recipient.