Joan O’Neill named Narrabri Shire’s senior of the year

A dedication to community organisations and events has seen Joan O’Neill, of Narrabri, named Narrabri Shire Council’s Senior of the Year.

At a celebratory seniors morning tea on Friday, Mrs O’Neill was described as a very active member of the community who has helped and participated in many committees and activities. Among her community involvements are being part of the Anzac Day breakfast committee, an oval lights organiser, RSL Sporting Body, Junior and Senior Touch committees, Narrabri Netball committee and Dragon Boat committee treasurer.

Mrs O’Neill was one of five people nominated for the shire award.

Mayor Ron Campbell said Mrs O’Neill was a very active member of the community who has helped and participated in many committees and activities.

“Mrs O’Neill’s nomination describes her as a ‘behind the scenes person’ who is ‘always the organiser who does a lot of the work’.

“She has been a huge role model in many sporting groups and community events.”

“Joan O’Neill deserves to be acknowledged for her volunteering over many years of service,” Mayor Ron Campbell said.

Mrs O’Neill was acknowledged for her dedication to the Narrabri community at the special morning tea held at The Crossing Theatre.

“This was a fitting way to bring together the community for this year’s Seniors Festival which has the theme ‘Reconnect’,” Cr Campbell said.

“The Seniors Festival is also an opportunity for us to recognise the contributions of many of the senior members of our shire and thank them for their ongoing commitment.”

There were five nominations for the 2022 Senior of the Year Award which was decided by the Seniors Festival Committee.

All nominees were described as treasured members of the community who have made a valuable contribution.

Other award nominees were:

Patricia Hadley – nominated for being a dedicated member of the Narrabri community who has held multiple voluntary positions including Inner Wheel president, vice-president and committee member. She is also involved with Rotary, the RSL Sub-Branch and Friends of The Crossing Theatre. Mrs Hadley is the Parkinson’s Support Group president, Rocky Creek RFS secretary and Hospital Auxiliary volunteer and president.

Sue Toop – is a volunteer for various Wee Waa organisations; including a weekly crochet group, Country Women’s Association, Wee Waa Show Society, Lions Club, and formerly the Wee Waa Patchwork Club.

Bruce Gray – a former farmer and spray contractor who has chaired the Wee Waa Hospital Board, member of Wee Waa Lions Club and Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce, and an organiser of the Wee Waa Cotton Capital Country Music Muster. He is a past recipient of the Australia Day Award of Merit and member of the Wee Waa Community Complex committee assisting with the installation of new doctors’ housing.

Robert Downey – a former Namoi Cotton Co-Op employee and an active member of the Wee Waa Men’s Shed. Robert is a long-term member of Wee Waa Lions Club (secretary/treasurer), community transport driver and helper at the Namoi Echo Museum where he assists with Kev’s Big Breakfast each month.