10th February, 2026.
Nicole Hanger is the recipient of the Wollondilly Shire Council's Achiever of the Year Award in the 2026 Australia Day Awards, for her decades of dedicated community service. For over four decades Nicole has been involved with Wollondilly Little Athletics Club. Starting in 1981 as an athlete who excelled in race walking, achieving state and national champion status and representing Australia in the United States. She currently serves as the club's President and is an official for Little Athletics NSW. Her work is tireless, arriving early to set up equipment and staying late to close the track. She actively coach's children on techniques for the various events. Beyond the track, Nicole extends her care to the broader community as the manager of IC Care Picton. In this role, she is involved in operating Meals on Wheels and caring for the elderly. Nicole has also participated in an initiative called "Shout A Mate A Meal," a new program to provide food for the homeless. Nicole Hanger's profound commitment, dedication, and leadership to both the youth in local sports and the elderly and disadvantaged in the community make her a worthy recipient of this award. Congratulations Nicole.
