Amara Grant wins the 2021 Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize

The Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize for 2021 has been awarded to Narrabri High School student, Amara Grant.

Amara is the daughter of Jennifer and Tim Grant.

The Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize was established in 2007 by Thomas Whipp Hulbert in memory of his mother, Mrs Lillian Hulbert.

The prize is awarded annually to a young person who was ‘born in the Narrabri district, is between the ages of 15 and 18 years and has shown outstanding achievements through an act of bravery or heroism, charitable work in the Narrabri district or an academic or sporting achievement.’

The prize focuses on encouraging excellence and helping young people with their chosen career path.

This year, six people were nominated for the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize. Mayor Ron Campbell officiated the award ceremony.

“We are privileged to see many talented and exceptional young people nominated for such a prestigious prize,” the mayor said.

“This year’s prize winner Amara, was nominated in the charitable activities and the education and academic achievement categories.

“Amara has volunteered with 2MaxFM community radio, local charities such as Can Assist and the local Cancer Council baking slices and raising funds through events such as the Stars of Narrabri Dance for Cancer.

“Amara provides a positive and supportive contribution to the Narrabri community and is a deserving recipient of the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize for 2021.

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the nominees and their families, the panel, and the Hulbert family for offering such a rewarding prize to the youth of the Narrabri district. It is a wonderful legacy in honour of Mrs Lillian Hulbert.”

The annual Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize was launched in 2008 with Jonathan Cuell the inaugural winner, presented with his medallion on March 18, 2009.

Sara Charles was last year’s winner.

The previous winners were Jenna Baxter (2019), Dylan Dixon (2018), April Squire (2017), Courtney Boyd (2016), Gemma Ferguson (2015), Sally Maher (2014), Emily Grellman (2013), Erika Anderson (2012), Thomas Vaessen (2011), Georgia Barden (2010) and Daniel Cope was the 2009 winner.

The nominees for the 2021 Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize were:

Amara Grant: Amara was nominated in both the Charitable and Education and Academic Achievement categories. Amara has volunteered with 2MaxFM community radio, local charities such as Can Assist and the local Cancer Council baking slices and raising funds through events such as the Narrabri Dance for Cancer. She is also a high achiever academically, awarded Dux at Narrabri High School in year 10 and competing as part of the debating team. Amara provides a positive and supportive contribution to the Narrabri community.

Shona McFarland: Shona was nominated for her sporting achievement, particularly in rugby union where she has been a representative player at many levels. She attends boarding school in Queensland and commits to a lot of travel and extra time to attend selection trials, training sessions and championships. She is required to be self-motivated and dedicated to train individually due to attending school in a location away from where training sessions are regularly held. She is an inspiring role model and leads by example.

Elsie Ford: Elsie has been nominated for excellence in three categories, namely: charitable acts, education and academic achievement and sport. Having never had singing lessons she is blessed with a raw talent that she generously shares with her community. Elsie consistently achieves high and outstanding grades in an academic capacity across a range of subject areas. She is an avid sport lover who has represented her school from softball and soccer to basketball and cricket.

Martha Harvey: Martha was nominated for her education, academic and sporting achievements. She has represented Narrabri in many sports including rugby union, netball, athletics and touch football. She has displayed leadership and sportsmanship in all her sporting endeavours and has proven to be a good role model. Martha has consistently achieved academic excellence across all subjects and is an active member of the School Representative Council.

Alisha Conomos: Alisha was nominated in three categories, including charitable activities, education and academic as well as sporting excellence. She contributes admirably to the Wee Waa community through her singing and volunteering of her time to help the elderly. Alisha is captain this year at Wee Waa High School and aims to be a good role model academically and in sport. Alisha has participated in many sporting activities especially athletics and swimming.

Charlotte Penberthy: Charlotte was nominated for her charitable acts and sporting achievements. She has participated in many fundraising events such as Legacy, Jeans 4 Genes, Laps 4 Life, Random Act of Kindness, RUOK Day Ambassador, to name a few. Charlotte is a very competent swimmer and netball player and has represented Narrabri and her school at local, regional and state level.