Dianne was among a number of other award recipients who were recognised for their tireless efforts and commitment to the Parkes community at this year's Australia Day official ceremony in Cooke Park.

Hundreds gathered in the park for the event, with saw our ambassador for 2017 Susie Elelman give a captivating and thought-provoking speech.

Susie also had the honour of presenting the annual awards in the community, cultural and sporting categories.

Dianne has been employed with the Lachlan Health Service for a number of years, providing specialist care and support for breast cancer patients throughout the region. 

In 2011, she was appointed McGrath Breast Care Nurse and has functioned as a major supporter and effective intermediary for many breast cancer patients dealing with their doctors at the GP level, as well as at the surgical and oncological specialist level in Orange and further afield. 

Her support for ladies extends through the phases of post-diagnosis, pre and post operation and during rehabilitation.  

In her own time, she organises various support initiatives and activities for breast cancer patients and survivors, and has become a pillar of support for many ladies within the Parkes Shire and wider region.

“I get so much of out my job than I ever could have imagined, we have such a wonderful community...thank you so very much for this award,” Di said.

After making a comeback after a two-year absence, the Parkes Christmas Street Parade has been named the Community Event of the Year. 

The Parkes Action Club, at one of its monthly meetings, decided to take up the banner and bring it back in 2016. 

The club formed a small committee and set the date in conjunction with the Christmas UpMarkets.

Under the guidance of Alan Payne, the committee worked with Parkes Shire Council and the Lachlan Local Area Command to formulate a road traffic application and risk management plan.

Members visited every school, local business, club and association with participation forms and information sheets, which ultimately saw thousands of spectators lining the streets on Friday, December 2 to view 40 floats and over 300 children take part in the parade.  

In the Cultural Awards, Duncan Clement has been recognised for his dedication to community service and selfless devotion to music in the Parkes Shire.

He’s been awarded the town’s Adult Cultural Award.

Duncan shares his musical abilities and passion for music generously in the community.

He has volunteered as music director for the Parkes Shire Concert Band (PSCB) for the past two years, and is the music director for Lachlan Valley Pipes and Drums. 

He runs the Parkes teaching band learners group and is a valuable member of the PSCB. 

His nomination read that “Duncan is very generous with his time playing for various organisations in the shire and at numerous community events, including the Parkes M&D, RSL, Australia Day, Anzac commemorations, fetes, car rallies, street parades. He travels all over the shire to play his trumpet, tuba or bagpipes and last year he led the PSCB's "Give it a Go" program, taking instruments into schools giving students an appreciation of band music.”

Ella Butler is this year’s Student Cultural Award recipient, recognised for her writing abilities and being published at a national level – a significant achievement for a person her age.

Ella entered the national Write4Fun school student writing competition, where her work was chosen as one of the entries published in the book "Top Secret".

Described as the “heart” for craft endeavours in the Parkes Shire, Combined Craft Group Craft Corner are this year’s Cultural Group of the Year. For 42 years its 100 members have encouraged each other and inspired the community with their range of craft, works and goods.

Their shopfront is also run on a volunteer basis. 

Craft Corner provides an interesting place for visitors and participates in many community events such as Wrap with Love, the Parkes Elvis Festival, Reading Day and the Country Music Festival.

Peak Hill also celebrated Australia Day with an official ceremony. Antonia Francis was announced as Peak Hill’s Citizen of the Year for 2017, while David Heywood is the Junior Citizen of the Year.

Sportsperson of the Year is Gary Stanford, while the Sportsperson Administration Award has gone to Lee Lamond. 

The Peak Hill Men's Shed took out this year’s Community Service Appreciation Award.