Uta and Dennis Purcell are named Wingecarribee's Citizens of the Year

The couple were named Wingecarribee's CItizens of the Year for 2024, at the Australia Day celebrations in Berrima.

Dennis said it was "truly staggering" to be awarded with the accolade, and noted all of the nominees have had a positive impact in the Highlands.

"We just do things that need to be done," he said.

"Retirement is such a ball, there's so much to do in the Highlands," Uta said.

"If you can do good along the way, that's even better."

As part of the celebrations, they performed with the Southern Highlands Concert Band, where they have been longtime members.

With the band, they have performed at Tulip Time, Anzac Day ceremonies and at local nursing homes for Christmas.

They were both dedicated educators at Kangaloon, Moss Vale, Mittagong and Glenquarry Public Schools, and Dennis set up the electrical systems and computers at Moss Vale Public School.

Their passions for music and performing arts at schools helped students join bands, perform in musicals and play instruments.

The couple have also volunteered at federal, state and local elections, distributed, explained and collected census forms, are Justices of the Peace and have delivered food with Meals on Wheels.

As a duo, they make a tremendous impact in the region, and have unique passions.

Dennis has been a dedicated cricket umpire for the NSW Blind Cricket Association and officiates different matches around the region.

As a keen photographer, he has captured areas around the Highlands.

Uta is the secretary of the local not-for-profit Fellowship of Australian Writers branch, and has published her second novella.

She loves art lessons and has created many pieces for the Bowral District and Art Society, which Dennis has helped frame.

Bowral High School vice captain and cancer advocate Mackenzie Isedale was named the Young Citizen of the Year.