**A well-deserved Citizen of the Hay for Hay Shire, Shirley Hajek receives her award from Australia Day Ambassador, Susie Elelman. All images - The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade.**

By Tertia Butcher

Shirley Hajek is a household name throughout Hay Shire and a popular selection for the 2025 Citizen of the Year. She is considered the heart and soul of Guiding in Hay and a leading light in teaching generations of children to swim.

Shirley's extraordinary dedication to the Girl Guide movement and her lifelong commitment to teaching generations of local children to swim have made a profound impact on the Hay community. With over 50 years of service in guiding, Shirley has inspired young girls to develop essential life skills, resilience, and leadership. Additionally, her 51 years of passionate swimming instruction has ensured many children in Hay gain water confidence and safety skills.

“Shirley's unwavering commitment, leadership, and community service embody the values celebrated on Australia Day,” her citation reads.

An emotional Shirley accepted her award from Australia Day Ambassador, Susie Elelman AM during the traditional breakfast ceremony at Hay Gaol Museum on Sunday.

Susie’s Australia Day address had a strong message: Being an Australian means you can, and do, achieve anything you want.

Susie is the epitome of a multi-media broadcaster and is regarded as the most versatile, informed and professional person in Australian media. Her name is synonymous with daytime television. Susie is also an established presence on national radio, she is a newspaper and magazine columnist and an award-winning best-selling author.

Susie Elelman is also a first generation refugee from war-torn Europe. Her holocaust survivor Jewish father and German mother who had been bombed by the Americans, knew their time under the Nazi regime in Germany at the time had come to an end,

In 1950 they sailed to Australia.

“They arrived with no expectations,” Susie said. “My father spoke 11 languages, but unfortunately English was not one of them. “My mother used her schoolgirl English to come by.”

The family’s struggles were endless, but as soon as they were allowed to, they applied for Australian citizenship. Their framed naturalisation certificates had pride of place on the wall in their house.

The well-attended breakfast ceremony was chaired by Cr Will Miller. Breakfast was cooked by Can Assist and served by Hay Youth Taskforce. Entertainment was provided by Sing Australia, and in a break from tradition over many years, the flag was raised by returned soldier Nick Harrison following the retirement of Paul ‘Frog’ Edwards.

Citizen of the Year - Shirley Hajek

Hay Shire Citizen of the Year, Shirley Hajek was nominated for her extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment to the Girl Guide movement in Hay and for her lifelong commitment in teaching generations of local children to swim.

Shirley's association with guiding began in childhood and culminated in her earning the prestigious Queen's Guide Award at the age of 16. Since then, she has devoted over 50 years to guiding in Hay, embodying the values of leadership, service, and community.

Under Shirley's leadership, Hay’s Girl Guides have learned essential life skills, developed lifelong friendships, and embraced the ideals of courage, confidence, and character. They have embarked on countless adventures, whether it be camping, engaging in community service projects, learning about global citizenship or developing new skills through challenges.

Shirley is the leader of the Hay Guides and ensures that the guides are provided with many opportunities to pass their skills and challenge badges and develop their resilience in doing so. Shirley's gift is her passion for girl guides, her unique skills in assisting the girls and her organisational skills to ensure that it all happens. Shirley has worked hard to keep the Hay Girl Guides active, ensuring that young girls in the community continue to have access to enriching programs that foster resilience, leadership, and valuable life skills.

Her commitment sees her dedicating countless hours to providing quality activities for the guides under her care, creating lifelong memories and friendships for many. Shirley’s efforts have ensured that the Hay Guide Unit continues to thrive in Hay despite the challenges of dwindling volunteers and the increasing demands on young people's time. Through her incredible determination and passion, Shirley has single-handedly sustained the unit, organising a diverse range of activities and excursions that inspire, educate, and empower the guiding movement in Hay.

Last year, the community celebrated 100 years of Girl Guides in Hay, a milestone made all the more meaningful by Shirley’s presence and contribution for over half that period.

Many women in Hay, across generations, would be able to recall their journey as a girl guide. It’s a movement that has stood the test of time. In their recollections, Shirley Hajek would be front and centre, be it as a fellow guide or as a guide leader.

She is the heart and soul of the guiding movement in Hay. Thank you, Shirley, for your dedication, service and commitment.

In addition to her remarkable service to the Guides, Shirley has been a passionate and dedicated swimming teacher for 51 years. Since the age of 19, she has taught generations of Hay’s children to swim, many of whom have gone on to become champion members of the Hay Amateur Swimming Club. Shirley’s influence in aquatic education has been invaluable, instilling water confidence and safety skills in many young lives. Shirley is an excellent swimming teacher and many a person in Hay can thank Shirley for their ability to swim.

Beyond teaching, Shirley was instrumental in maintaining the John Houston Memorial Pool complex, ensuring it remained in pristine condition for many many years. Her dedication helped establish the facility as a standout within the region—fondly referred to as the jewel in Hay’s crown. The high standard of the pool was all due to Shirley’s commitment, hard work, and passion for providing an outstanding facility for the local community.

Australia Day seems to be embedded in Shirley’s blood.

For many years, in the course of her employment, Shirley ran a series of fun pool activities, children’s chalk drawing activities and colouring competitions on Australia Day. They were fun days and are fondly remembered.

Shirley exemplifies the values we honour on Australia Day. Her enduring commitment to the Girl Guide movement, her role as a mentor, swim teacher and her service to the Hay community are an inspiration to all. Her selfless dedication, perseverance, and love for her community have left a lasting impact, making her a truly deserving recipient of Hay Shire Council’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award.

Hay Shire Council is proud to announce Shirley Hajek as the Australia Day Citizen of the Year for 2025.

Other award recipients

Sue Murphy - Gavin Johnston Vocational Award: Outstanding dedication to educating young students

Hay Shire Council proudly honoured Suzanne Murphy with the 2025 Australia Day Gavin Johnston Vocational Award for her outstanding dedication and lifelong contribution to education in the Hay community.

For over 38 years, Sue has been a cornerstone of Hay Public School, shaping countless students' lives and inspiring generations of teachers through her various roles, including classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, and Instructional Leader.

Her unwavering commitment to excellence, passion for fostering a love of learning, and ability to nurture young minds over so many years have left an indelible mark on Hay Public School and the broader community. Sue's retirement in 2024 marked the end of a remarkable career, but her legacy will continue to inspire and influence for years to come.

This year marks the 30th year since the untimely death of Gavin Johnston, former editor of The Grazier and a tireless worker for his community.

Brad Callaghan - Young citizen of the Year: Championing youth involvement in sport

A champion for local sport and for the youth of Hay, Brad Callaghan was named Young Citizen of the Year for Hay Shire. Brad’s remarkable contributions include revitalising the Hay Rams Soccer Club, expanding its player base, and establishing competitions for all ages. As co-vice president of Hay Tennis Club, Brad has revamped competitions, provided coaching and organised significant events.

His volunteer work with Hay Youth Taskforce and his role at Hay Children’s Services showcase his dedication to fostering youth involvement and development. Brad’s efforts have increased physical activity, enhanced community connections, developed skills, and inspired many in the Hay community.

His leadership, passion, and hard work make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Below right: Suzanne Murphy with Mark Johnston, and left Brad Callaghan

Suzanne+Murphy+Mark+Johnston+%284%29.jpg

Special Achievement Awards - Kylie Kerr and Jensen Hargreaves

Australia Day Special Achievement Awards were presented to two people who have made Hay a better place for all - Kylie Kerr (below right) and Jensen Hargreaves (left).

Kylie established the Hay Highland and Scottish National Dancing, supported local dancers in competitions and coached students to high levels of achievement. She led the involvement of Hay Highland Dancers in numerous community events and has been instrumental in organising fundraisers and coordinating the annual Hayland Gathering.

Kylie's commitment to volunteering in various community organisations, her efforts to foster new experiences and educational opportunities, and her ability to build community partnerships have made her a vital part of Hay.

Since moving to Hay in 2020, Kylie has tirelessly worked to include and support everyone.

“Her leadership qualities, enthusiasm, and nurturing approach have brought people together and inspired others to get involved,” Kylie’s citation reads. “Hay is exceptionally fortunate to have someone as dedicated and compassionate as Kylie Kerr.”

Jensen Hargreave’s incredible achievements in sport was recognised at Hay’s 2025 Australia Day Awards with a Special Achievement Award.

Jensen has contributed substantially to AFL with Hay Lions Club, strong membership with Hay Cricket Club, Hay Tennis Club and countless sporting achievements throughout his time in High School.

From the outset, Jensen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his AFL journey. His path has taken him from the Giants Academy to the Bushrangers in the under-18 Coates Talent League, where he not only showcased his talent but also his tireless work ethic.

His recent signing with the Yarrawonga Pigeons AFL Club speaks volumes about his achievements and the respect he has already earned within the football community.

In 2024, Jensen represented New South Wales in under 18’s AFL, a well-deserved honour that reflects his dedication and skill, selected from the GWS Academy team. Balancing this commitment with his academic responsibilities, Jensen didn’t just excel on the football field; he was also the dux of Year 12, a testament to his ability to manage his time effectively and strive for excellence in all areas of his life.

What sets Jensen apart is not just his talent but his remarkable resilience. Travelling a staggering 600 km round trip to attend GWS Academy training in Wagga is a true testament to his determination to overcome barriers and pursue his dreams. He has shown us that distance is no obstacle for those who are passionate and committed to their goals.

Jensen isn’t just a standout athlete; he is also a leader and a mentor. His generosity with his time is evident in his work with the Hay Lions Women’s team, where he has imparted his deep knowledge of the game, providing skill development in a positive and respectful manner. He has also taken on the role of coach for the Hay Primary School Paul Kelly Cup team, demonstrating his willingness to share his expertise and inspire the next generation of footballers.

In 2024, Jensen took his game to an elite level with the Hay Lions, after finishing his junior career in 2023 as captain of the under-17 team. His exceptional leadership qualities were recognised when he was voted as the league's Most Valuable Player, a fitting reward for his outstanding season. As vice-captain at Hay War Memorial High School, Jensen has shown that he not only leads by example but also inspires those around him.

Coaches and teammates alike admire Jensen for his driven nature, self-motivation, and openness to feedback. He is always seeking ways to improve, and his respect for those around him makes him an ideal player to coach. With tireless hard work over the past two years, he has proven that he is ready for the next level of competition.

Jensen is an explosive and dynamic player, known as one of the best kicks in the league. He has the uncanny ability to seize small windows of opportunity on the field, making a significant impact in every game he plays. His tenacity and accuracy in front of goals can turn the tide of a match, showcasing his determination to succeed.

Jensen’s achievements thus far are a testament to his hard work, passion, and commitment to his craft. The community of Hay is proud of him and can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.