A group of people stand outside smiling. Two men in the middle hold a framed plaque.

COMMUNITY LEADERS: Congratulations to our 42nd and 43rd Walk of Honour inductees, including First Nations Elders Aunty Dot & Uncle Hewitt Whyman, pictured with family and Mayor Cr Dallas Tout.

Community

2025 Walk of Honour recipients officially unveiled

Published: 30 May 2025 11:27am

Two plaques for Wagga Wagga’s 2025 Walk of Honour recipients – recognising First Nations Elders Aunty Dot & Uncle Hewitt Whyman, and the late Zita Denholm – were officially unveiled on Baylis Street on Wednesday 28 May.

The Walk of Honour was established in 1998 and recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the community of Wagga Wagga.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout says he is pleased to see these three pillars of the community honoured as the 42^nd and 43^rd inductees respectively.

“These plaques are recognition of the recipients’ dedication over their lifetimes to the community,” Cr Tout said.

A close up of a bronze plaque set into a tiled pathway.

“Aunty Dot and Uncle Hewitt Whyman are respected Elders of the Wagga Wagga First Nations community, contributing significantly to local cultural, community development, and sporting activities.”

“Their contributions to the community include the establishment of a wide variety of services including the Wiradjuri Childcare Service, Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation, Aboriginal Legal Service, Wagga Wagga Local Aboriginal Land Council, and ATSIC Binaal Billa Regional Council.”

Aunty Dot and Uncle Hewitt Whyman were announced as the joint 42^nd Walk of Honour inductees during Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day Awards ceremony in January. Their plaque was unveiled in front of the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre forecourt.

A group of people stand outside near a bronze plaque set into the tiles of a pedestrian pathway. One woman in the group holds a framed copy of the plaque. — **RECOGNISED AND REMEMBERED:** It was a proud moment for family members of the late Zita Denholm, who accepted and unveiled the plaque on behalf of Zita - the 43rd Walk of Honour inductee.

The late Zita Denholm was represented by members of her family for her Walk of Honour plaque unveiling this morning.

Mrs Denholm began working at Mount Erin Girls’ High School as an English and History teacher in 1975. She re-established the Mount Erin Orchestra, and organised fundraising concerts to purchase additional instruments.

“Today’s unveiling is a celebration of Zita Denholm’s commitment and generosity, ensuring opportunities for generations of people to fulfill their own dreams and passions,” Cr Tout said.

A close up of a bronze plaque set into a tiled pathway.

“Zita also taught Speech and Drama to young children and teenagers and at the 2024 Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod, she was recognised with a perpetual trophy in her name in the Speech and Drama section. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Riverina Summer School for Strings which has helped shaped the talents of hundreds of students.”

“Zita helped establish the Wagga Horse Trials Club, served as a Zone Pony Club Chief Instructor, and was an active member of the REA Wagga Dressage Club.”

Mrs Denholm was named as the 43^rd Walk of Honour inductee. Her plaque is located on the eastern side of Baylis Street, near the entrance to the Myer shopfront.