Seven people have had their sporting achievements honoured by being selected for Narrabri’s wall of fame.
The award recipients were announced at Australia Day celebrations at the aquatic centre last Thursday and marked the final ceremony of the day’s official festivities.
Presentation of the Sporting Wall of Fame awards followed the announcement of the shire’s Australia Day award winners, including the Senior and Junior Sportsperson of the Year, as well as the naturalisation of new citizens.
The Sporting Wall of Fame, located on Tibbereena Street, was constructed in 2011 following Narrabri’s announcement as Australia’s Sportiest Town in 2001.
The sportiest town title was awarded as part of a competition run by Channel Nine and recognised the number of outstanding sports men and women who had been born in, or had lived, in Narrabri Shire.
Ninety-four people were initially selected for the wall of fame for success in their chosen sport before 2002.
An additional 10 names were added in 2012, and council again asked for nominations last year for inclusion in 2023.
Thirteen nominations for inclusion on the wall were received last year, including Lachlan Wright, Emily Grellman, Frank Fish, Nate Browning, Tom Hamilton, Campbell Williams, Harrison Bennett, Makayla Elford, Josie Wilson, Fletcher Williams, Annabel Read, Charlie North and Andrew Wilson.
Of the nominees, seven were selected for inclusion on the wall of fame. They are as follows:
Lachlan Wright: Recognised for his excellence in rowing. Lachlan was selected as an Australian representative.
Emily Grellman: Recognised for her achievements as an Australian representative in water polo.
Frank Fish: Recognised for his achievements in rugby league as an Australian representative.
Makayla Elford: Recognised for her achievements in polocrosse as an Australian representative.
Josie Wilson: Recognised for her achievements in polocrosse as an Australian representative.
Charlie North: Recognised for excellence in clay shooting and as an Australian representative.
Andrew Wilson: Recognised for excellence in rifle shooting. Andrew’s name is already included on the Sporting Wall of Fame as an Australian representative. Andrew will now be included for his international achievements in the sport.
The unveiling of the new plaques on the Sporting Wall of Fame will be held at a later date.
