Scone RSL Pipes and Drums band received a warm welcome as it played for the 20^th straight year prior to the announcement of awards, while Scone Singers also belted out the national anthem and ‘I Am Australian’.

Ambassador Dr Benjamin Veness gave a speech about mental health awareness and encouraged the audience to familiarise themselves more with the ‘Where There’s A Will’ foundation.

Nominees were then congratulated before the handing out of awards.

The Barry Rose Memorial Music Scholarship went to Lucy McGrath, which was presented by new Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music director Wendy Brooks.

School Achievement recipients were Hannah Beiboer (Scone Grammar School), Rachel Pittman (Scone High School) and Mikaela Tilse (St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen).

Creative Arts Excellence award was won by Nicholas Mossman (Scone Grammar School), Isaac Smith and Ebony Taylor (Scone High School).

The Community Group of the Year went to the Scone Support Group Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Young Achiever of the Year awards were claimed by Campbell Jones, for sports achievement, and Kirsten Smith, for all-round achievement.

Reg Riley was announced as the winner of the Scone District Achiever of the Year award, while Scone RSL Pipes and Drums band received a Scone District Special Award.

Young Citizen of the Year went to Rachel Pittman (Scone District and Upper Hunter Shire) and Joan Manning won the Citizen of the Year (Scone District and Upper Hunter Shire).