Six people who are dedicated to various community causes and organisations are in the running to be named Narrabri Shire’s Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.

Will Childs, Louise Gett, Bruce Gray, Pat Hlad, Dennis Lowder and Michelle are the six individuals who have been nominated for the shire’s top honour.

The winner will be announced at the Narrabri Australia Day awards ceremony being held at The Crossing Theatre on Sunday.

Will Childs

Through his dedication and generous efforts, Will has raised awareness, reduced stigma and created vital support systems for those struggling with mental health issues.

Will’s work has not only provided resources for counselling and care, but fostered a culture of understanding and compassion.

His impact is far-reaching, helping to ensure that mental health is prioritised and accessible for all members of the community.

Will is committed to the growth and prosperity of the Narrabri Region through his involvement in local organisations.

Will has established a local business that has created jobs for more than 60 employees (and was recently awarded Business Fostering Trainees and Apprentices). He is part of the Narrabri Industrial Network, is president of the Narrabri Jockey Club, and has held charity golf days.

Will’s organisation of the WTC Charity Golf Day in 2023 raised more than $90,000, and recently raised more than $45,000.

Will donated 50 per cent of the money to local mental health services, enabling residents within Narrabri Shire access to free counselling sessions. All of the 2024 funds raised will be going towards local mental health services.

Louise Gett

Louise has been the treasurer of the Narrabri Community Education Trust since its inception in 1999. Louise’s exceptional accounting/management expertise has guided the trust and allowed Federation Farm to successfully operate for 23 years.

Given that the trust has been in the fantastic and capable hands of Louise, it has generated more than $1 million for local schools to improve outcomes for students.

Louise is also a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Bruce Gray

Bruce’s commitment to his community extends to more than 40 years, including his involvement in a number committees, such as Wee Waa Lions.

Additionally, Bruce’s contribution to the wider community of Narrabri Shire has truly benefited the whole shire. Always willing to help and looking at ways to improve and benefit the Wee Waa’s community’s wellbeing, Bruce’s continued service and commitment is demonstrated by his ongoing involvement in all areas of service to Wee Waa organisations.

He was one of the instigators in getting the Weeronga Aged Care Hostel and now combined with the Karinga committee, to improve the Karinga village aged care services.

Bruce contributed positively to the Wee Waa Doctor Housing project, co-ordinating with contractors and contributing many hours of physical labour to ensure the project was a success.

Additionally, he has been part of the working committee regarding the Wee Waa Hospital services.

Bruce’s awards include life membership of Wee Waa Apex (1989); a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1997 in ‘recognition of service to community’ and Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen Award (2023).

Pat Hlad

Pat has always been a hard worker and is always first to volunteer for her community.

A valued member of the Narrabri View Club since 2017, Pat has held several positions in the club, including club hostess.

View Clubs of Australia exclusively fundraise for the Smith Family and Pat has helped the Narrabri branch raise thousands of dollars over the years to help disadvantaged children achieve education.

Pat’s skills with pottery are legendary and she has been the backbone of Monday Pottery at the Narrabri Art and Craft Society for many years, sharing her skills with numerous students.

She is also a long-serving volunteer of the Narrabri Show Society as section steward for the horticultural and pottery sections, and member of the Narrabri Garden Club.

Pat is an excellent fundraiser, and regularly makes the 80-kilometre round trip from her home to undertake this important community work. This has seen Narrabri VIEW, Narrabri Garden Club and Narrabri Show Society all benefit.

Pat has also been an amazing role model for her community, supporting the Young at Heart exercise group every week as well as weekly Brain Training classes at the library.

Dennis Lowder

A quiet achiever, Dennis always puts his hand up to volunteer in his community, and has excelled in any volunteer organisation – benefitting the Wee Waa Community enormously.

Dennis has lived in Wee Waa all his life and together with his wife Letitia, have raised a family with their children attending local Wee Waa schools.

Dennis has been involved in the Returned Services League, Wee Waa Men’s Shed, Wee Waa Lions Club (life member), Wee Waa Cotton Capital Music Muster Committee, Wee Waa Fire Brigade (former Deputy Captain), Yarrie Lake Trust (10 years), Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce, and a Cub leader in Wee Waa Scouts.

Dennis is always willing to help out when needed. His contribution to his community is selfless and whatever he does it is to promote his community.

Dennis has also been the recipient of the Wee Waa Lions Senior of the Year.

Michelle Wheeler

Michelle is a community-minded person whose kindness as a tool strengthens relationships, promotes solidarity, and creates positive change. Her actions not only benefit individuals but help build a resilient and compassionate community as a whole.

Michelle’s numerous contributions to the community include: secretary of the Red Shield Appeal; committee member of Nurruby Childcare, Narrabri Junior Rugby, Narrabri Junior Cricket and Namoi Women’s Cricket; secretary of Namoi Women’s Shed; fundraising coordinator for St Francis Xavier’s Primary School Parents and Friends Association and Namoi Lodge deb ball coordinator.

In recent years, Michelle has been a volunteer at the CREATE festival as well as with the Narrabri Show Society. Michelle’s help and guidance has been an amazing help to these events.

Whether offering advice, helping someone find a job or donating goods, her generosity strengthens the shire community. Michelle bridges gaps between people by facilitating connections and collaborations that bring people together, their kindness is often seen in their ability to unite individuals for a common cause or purpose.

 

 

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