Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize awarded to Wee Waa High School student

Matilda Currey has graciously received the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize for 2025 and was celebrated alongside three other extraordinary young finalists this year.

The annual award presentation was held on Monday afternoon in the multipurpose room at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre with family and friends there to celebrate these brilliant young people.

The prestigious $10,000 prize is awarded to a young person between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age, who is born in the Narrabri district and has shown outstanding achievements through an act of bravery or heroism, charitable work in the Narrabri district, or academic or sporting achievement.

Matilda, of Wee Waa High School, was awarded the prize in recognition of her excellence in sporting achievement, education and academic achievement, as well as charitable activities.

“I’m very thankful for this award and for all of the support from my family, teachers and mentors along the way,” Matilda said.

“There are some very exciting opportunities coming up for me and I’m just so happy to be able to do what I love with supporting moments like today.

“I’m proud that I can represent Wee Waa High with this award.”

Mayor Darrell Tiemens was honoured to present the award on behalf of the Narrabri Shire Council as part of the legacy of Lillian Hulbert.

“We had four finalists this year, all of a very high standard, and it was very difficult for the panel members to choose one winner from such an exceptional field,” Mayor Tiemens said.

“We are grateful to the Hulbert family for providing us with the opportunity to celebrate and recognise their ambition, determination and strong sense of community spirit.”

The three excellent finalists along with Matilda were Ashley Morris, Taryn Kirk and Jack Hartnett. They were all applauded and celebrated for their remarkable achievements in the community.

Matilda was presented with a medal by Cr Tiemens, who congratulated her with a few words for this incredible honour.

“Matilda’s commitment and dedication to her sporting, academic and school community – not to mention her leadership within her school and sporting groups – is truly outstanding,” Cr Tiemens said.

“She’s an active member of the sporting community and has represented Wee Waa High School at various levels of sport such as netball, cricket, and touch football.

“Matilda has been recognised as the Sports Person of the Year at Wee Waa High School since 2020 and further extended her commitment by taking on the role of House Sporting Captain in 2024.

“Additionally, Matilda is a mentor and coach for young netball players and umpires at the Narrabri Netball Club, a position of which she continually displays dedication and focus,” Cr Tiemens said.

“This further demonstrates her outstanding leadership skills and the positive impact she has on the community.”

To highlight even further upon her sporting excellence, Matilda was selected last year to take part in the NSW Combined High School Sports Association Tour to New Zealand for rugby union. Matilda will be representing her state and school at a higher level, while developing her player skills.

Matilda’s goal is to become a veterinarian and has recently completed a placement at a local vet clinic, enabling her to gain crucial experience and knowledge for future study in this career.