Denise Horne named Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen of the Year

Denise Horne has been named the Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen of the Year.

The proud Wee Waarian said she experienced “mixed emotions” on the day but felt very honoured that people had taken the time to nominate her.

“It was a very emotional day,” Mrs Horne told The Courier.

“And the letter submitted was absolutely lovely.”

Mrs Horne’s letter of nomination highlighted her strong sense of community spirit and dedication to a range of local groups, from the Gardening Club to Senior Citizens.

A friendly and familiar face around the district, Mrs Horne has supported events and fundraisers from Wee Waa to Burren Junction.

“Denise has lived all her life in Wee Waa; she spent 36 years would for the Department of Education at Wee Waa High School,” states the letter.

“As a child, she attended St Joseph’s Primary School, now the fifth generation of her family are attending St Joseph’s, and you can still find her attending school mass, grandparents’ day, swimming carnivals and athletics carnivals at St Joseph’s and Burren Junction Public School, where her great grandchildren are students.

“Denise is a valued member of the St Andrew’s Catholic Parish.

“Since her retirement, she has been heavily involved in many volunteer roles in the community.

“Treasurer and secretary of Senior Citizens for many years until the committee wound up late last year. Once all monies were finalised, Denise organised for the remaining funds from the Senior Citizens to be put towards purchasing new rose bushes for Weeronga Aged Care and advanced trees for Karinga Village.

“Treasurer of the Wee Waa Garden Club for 15 years, many an occasion offering her lovely garden for Garden Club meetings.

“Denise has been a long-serving committee member for both Weeronga Aged Care and Karinga Village. Recently becoming a board member for Namoi Care Connect, taking on the position as secretary. Other voluntary work includes pruning the roses at the CWA Hall and she would often be seen driving her late elderly friends to appointments around town and in Narrabri.

“Away from the meetings and volunteering, Denise is very much devoted to her family and a very keen rugby league fan where she is very much greatly awaiting the season of 2027, where her beloved North Sydney Bears will be returning to the competition.”

Mrs Horne attended the event with her husband Kevin Horne, and together they made history, becoming the first couple to receive the Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen of the Year award at individual events.

“I think Shirley and Dudley Pankhurst received it the same year, but Kevin was awarded it in 2021, so that’s special – we’ve both won the award now,” explained Mrs Horne.

Describing the Wee Waa Seniors Week activities as “absolutely marvelous”, Mrs Horne praised the Lions Club, Namoi Care Connect and other organisers for putting together such a terrific schedule of events.

The activities included a bus trip to Premer for a beautiful lunch with a special Wee Waa connection, attending the Narrabri Shire Senior of the Year lunch and entertainment, watching the Premier’s Gala Concert live on the big screen and a delicious barbecue lunch at Karinga Village on Sunday, thanks to Wee Waa and District Aged Care. A highlight was the Wee Waa Lions Seniors luncheon held at the bowling club on Wednesday, March 11, where Mrs Horne was presented with her award by Dennis Lowder OAM. Some attendees travelled from Gwabegar and Pilliga to enjoy the popular community gathering, where the performances by children from all four of the Wee Waa schools struck a chord with the crowd.

The tradition of catering by Connie Smith and her Wee Waa High School team was again well received. Along with the scrumptious morning tea provided by the Wee Waa Country Women’s Association. Thanks were also passed onto the bowling club for providing a fantastic venue and those who sponsored and gave vouchers.

“There’s been some great gatherings,” said Mrs Horne about the Seniors Week schedule.

When asked why she takes the time to contribute to the community and her advice to others, Mrs Horne said: “Well, I don’t like sitting around doing nothing. I always like to be busy doing things. Lunch with the ‘Wednesday ladies’, that’s been going for years, and we also like to attend every fortnight when Namoi Care Connect organise a different venue for lunch. We’re going to the Baan Baa pub next. I think people should just go for it and get involved. You’ve got nothing to lose. It’s a good community. I’ve never lived anywhere else, I’ve lived here in Wee Waa all my life and I’m happy to stay here for the rest of my life.”