Gunnedah achievers acknowledged in parliament

The achievements of two Gunnedah residents, recently announced in the 2026 Australia Day honours, have been acknowledged in federal parliament.

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey praised Order of Australia Medal recipient Colleen Fuller OAM and Australian Fire Service Medal awardee David Welch AFSM.

Mrs Fuller, the mayor of Gunnedah Shire, received the honour for her long service to local government as well as her extensive volunteer work with community organisations.

Mr Welch, the captain of Gunnedah Fire and Rescue, was awarded for distinguished service as a member of an Australian fire service.

The achievements of Mrs Fuller and Mr Welch have been recently published in the Gunnedah Times.

Mr Chaffey congratulated all Australia Day honours recipients in the Parkes electorate when in Canberra for the sitting week last week.

“We are fortunate to have such amazing achievers in the electorate of Parkes,” Mr Chaffey said in his address.

“I congratulate each and every one of them for their great contribution to their communities and our nation.”