The achievements and dedication of individuals and organisations in Narrabri Shire was celebrated at an Australia Day function at The Crossing Theatre on Wednesday morning.
Australia Day awards were presented at the private function, with attendance restricted due to the risk of COVID in the community.
Mayor Ron Campbell was unable to attend the function, however, deputy mayor Cathy Redding provided an address to the small gathering and presented winners with their awards.
Cr Redding congratulated the nominees and winners on their contributions to the community.
Citizen of the Year was awarded to Patricia Lawty who has dedicated time to the community as a member of the Narrabri Pistol Club, junior soccer, basketball and cricket committees. She has also served as treasurer of the Show Auxiliary for 33 years as well as being a Meals on Wheels volunteer, working as a teacher’s aide at Narrabri West Primary School and helping others as a babysitter and unpaid carer.
Mrs Lawty, who has dedicated her time to many community causes, was shocked to learn she had received the shire’s top honour.
The award was made even more poignant after her mother, Dawn Armstrong, had been presented with the Senior Sportsperson of the Year.
“I have always had an interest in the community,” Mrs Lawty said.
Her mother’s hard-working nature and commitment to the community has been passed on to Mrs Lawty who is a quiet achiever among many local organisation.
“I can’t match her,” Mrs Lawty said of her mother’s efforts.
“She has been an inspiration to me.”
Mother-and-daughter have also working side by side in the community, with the pair particularly know for their show auxilliary work.
Together, Mrs Lawty and Mrs Armstrong, along with the late Gwen Lawty, started the show kitchen 33 years ago.
Young Citizen of the Year – Poppy Smith
Young Citizen of the Year Poppy Smith has been a member of the SRC in both primary and high school, is the current secretary of Narrabri Youth Council and school vice-captain for 2022.
She has assisted with school fundraising and community care, participated in the Narrabri Killarney Bike Ride, Narrabri Community COVID quilt project, Colour Run and Westpac Rescue Helicopter community fundraisers as well as attending ANZAC and Veterans Day ceremonies.
Community Arts and Cultural Development award – Kay Gray
Kay Gray is a radio announcer who regularly supports established and upcoming artists through her work and also kept the community informed during COVID restrictions.
Community Group Service Award – 2MaxFM
Community Group Service Award recipient Narrabri Shire Community Radio Inc 2MaxFM is a local broadcaster of 21 years, always keeping the community informed and entertained with a dedicated volunteer base of announcers.
It is a wonderful community asset that strengthens and serves the Narrabri Shire.
Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Dawn Armstrong
Senior Sportsperson of the Year Dawn Armstrong has volunteered with a range of associations including Narrabri Bowling Club, cake decorators, show society, hospital kiosk, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club.
She is a committed lawn bowler who reached the zone finals at Tamworth, securing the Senior fours title with her team.
She was the Namoi District bowling ladies association president in 2020-21 and is a previous recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Harrison Bennett
Junior Sportsperson of the Year Harrison Bennett is a representative of Wee Waa Swimming Club and the Narrabri RSL Sporting Body.
He is an Australian All Age National Swimmer and the first Narrabri finalist in 25 years at this event.
He was a gold and silver medalist at the NSW Country Championships and was the NENW Long Course Area Champion – achieving 13 gold medals from 13 events as well as being selected for the NSW Schools National Team.
