PHOTO: Coonamble’s latest Citizen of the Year, Carol Stanley, embraced the Australia Day spirit while having a well-deserved break with family on the Gold Coast.
Carol Stanley let out a squeal when she heard her name called for Coonamble’s 2025 Citizen of the Year.
She was on the Gold Coast with family on Australia Day, so a live stream was set up on a tablet for her to watch the ceremony at the Coonamble Showground Pavilion.
“You’re joking,” she said in a video recording her reaction.
Mrs Stanley was recognised for her extensive volunteer efforts, primarily driving locals and tourists around town in the only public transport service – affectionately known as ‘The Booze Bus’.
“I don’t think Coonamble could have done without her,” said Terminus Hotel manager Teena Hodder, whose patrons Ms Stanley transports safely to and from the pub.
“They love her to death.”
Mrs Stanley began driving the bus around ten years ago after she bought it for the now closed local RSL.
An on-the-ground survey by Transport for NSW last year highlighted the bus’ popularity, with over half the locals agency staff spoke to saying the service was a high priority.
Residents without access to other transport also used the bus to pick up groceries and medication, and even get their children to preschool.
“Most people know Carol through the bus service she provides around the town, but she has been a tireless worker in the community for many years,” Coonamble Mayor Dan Keady said.
“I got to see this first hand when I was show president. Carol is a Life Member of the Coonamble Show Society and has spent a lifetime volunteering in different roles, always working in the background to make sure something gets up and running.
“You can be sure Carol has had a hand in many more things than we know about and is always on the lookout for ways to get a job done.”
Passionate about veterans affairs, Ms Stanley is a key organiser for ANZAC Day, Vietnam and Remembrance Day services and sells badges to raise funds for Legacy.
She was also nominated for the award in 2023.
Asked whether she plans to stop manning the bus anytime soon, Mrs Stanley’s response was emphatic.
“That’s not going to happen at all.”
“I love what I do, and I like looking after people and serving in the community. That’s what it’s all about.”
Mrs Stanley was one of 13 nominees, revealing a broad spectrum of the citizens who keep Coonamble humming:
- Annette McMullen
- Anthony Micallef
- Carol Stanley
- Elena Iagunkova
- Fiona Ozols
- Graham Shields
- Jamie-Lea Trindall
- Jenny Richardson
- Jessica Lovel
- Josh Wrench
- Maddison Pawley
- Renate Hume
- Shiralee Robinson
“I think the judges had a tough decision choosing our citizen of the year,” Cr Keady said.
“There were some very strong candidates who have all made a great contributions to the community.
“The fact they didn’t win doesn’t at all diminish what they have achieved, and they should be proud to be nominated for Citizen of the Year.”