Coonamble’s Citizen of the Year, Terry Lees (Eccles) with Australia Day Ambassador, Katryna Robinson.
It was fourth time’s the charm for audio guru and multi-year nominee Terry (Eccles) Lees when he was announced the 2026 Coonamble Citizen of the Year at the Showground Pavilion on Monday 26 January.
Mr Lees was recognised for decades of community service, starting from his time as a director of the local aquatic club in the 1960s-70s.
Mr Lees was early to the event but before Australia Day ambassador Katryna Robinson read his name, he had disappeared from the ceremony to act as a fill-in for a sick worker at Coonamble Feedlot.
“I just can’t say no to anyone,” he said.
“Everyone in Coonamble, they’re always there to help just like any small community.
“Someone’s always worse off than yourself.
“A lot of people say to me ‘when are you going to start saying no?’ When are you going to retire?’
“I don’t know.”
Mr Lees has had some recent ill-health but remains busy with work and community commitments.
“Sometimes it gets difficult, but most times you go with the flow.
“I think in doing so many different things in so many different fields like racehorses, plays – music’s my main thing – helping people just comes natural.”
Mr Lees is a regular sight in Coonamble and surrounding towns for community events in need of his sound equipment and technical expertise.
He has been a member of the Coonamble Rural Fire Service brigade for over 30 years, where he currently serves as Deputy Captain.
The former councillor has also been involved in community radio station MTM-FM as president and audio engineer, and was active in the RSL Club and Chamber of Commerce.
“Born and bred in Coonamble, Terry has spent more than 40 years championing the culture life and community spirit of his hometown and the wider western NSW region,” his nominator wrote.
“Terry’s generosity leadership and unwavering dedication has strengthened the community connections and inspired others to embrace creativity and collaboration. A true local legend, his lifelong service makes him an outstanding nominee.”
Mr Lees was one of five nominees for the award, including well-known contributors Tony White, Maddison Pawley, Michael ‘Ag’ Quilkey and Janelle ‘Nugget’ Whitehead.
He counted his behind-the-scenes support for A Night on the Town and other events at the Plaza Theatre as a highlight of his community work in 2025.
“It’s something that you don’t expect to win because there’s so many people do multiple things in town,” he said.
“I do a little bit around town, as everyone knows, but that’s because I’ve been here for 70 years. If someone asks for something, they get it.”