The Wingham Summertime Rodeo took out the Manning Community Event of the Year for its family friendly event that in 2016 attracted 5000 spectators and 300 competitors. Wingham Show Society president Elaine Turner said, “our rodeo numbers have grown and in 2017, there were over 6000 people enjoying our family friendly event, and over 300 entrants”.

“On behalf of the Wingham Show Society, I would like to thank all our committee, members, volunteers, sponsors and community groups that make our events so successful.

“We proudly accepted this award and we are looking forward to another great year in 2017.” 

Wingham's Reid Brown was the recipient of the Ken McDonald Memorial Sportstar of the Year Award (see backpage story). 

Carolyn Thompson won the Manning Citizen of the Year Award for her contribution to establishing services and connections for people with sight impairment. Carolyn has been blind since the age of four. She has raised three daughters along with acquiring a number of qualifications in business. She currently works for Manning Support Services and is one of the founders of the Manning Valley Blind Citizen Association. 

Australia Day host Jeremy Thorton said, “Carolyn is an inspiration to many”. 

“She shows no matter what your ability – life is what you make it,” Jeremy added. 

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Ben Williams, an outstanding leader who has won awards for leadership, is a 2017 school captain at Chatham High School and shows outstanding sportsmanship in basketball. Ben is also a prominent Aboriginal dancer and on Australia Day was invited to dance at the Sydney Opera House. Upon receiving the Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets scholarship in 2016 Ben told the Manning River Times, “I feel I can make a difference in my community”. 

A special Australia Day award was announced for Georgina Blanch and Ken Loftus, for their extensive service to the 28th Army Cadet unit in the Manning Valley, which caters for cadets from Gloucester, Forster, Tuncurry and Taree.

MidCoast Council administrator, John Turner said "we sincerely thank every single nominee and congratulate them all on their achievements. These community members have all worked tirelessly to achieve great things in their chosen fields and are representative of the great talent and community spirit that resides in our region. Every nominee is a great Australian and we are very proud and honoured to have them as citizens”.