Michelle Wheeler and Caitlin Evans are the toast of Narrabri Shire after receiving top honours at the Australia Day celebration at The Crossing Theatre on Monday morning.
Michelle, the shire’s Citizen of the Year, has dedicated considerable time to community and sporting groups while Caitlin, the Young Citizen of the Year, has set a fine example to other shire students in the areas of sporting and academic success.
A deeply community-minded individual whose kindness, leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact across Narrabri, Michelle has also enjoyed a diverse career spanning hospitality, administration, healthcare and Local Land Services.
She brings both experience and empathy to everything she does. Over many years, she has volunteered extensively with events such as the CREATE Festival and the Narrabri Show Society, providing guidance, organisation and calm support behind the scenes.
Michelle is known for her ability to listen, connect people, and create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued. Whether offering practical assistance, emotional support or fundraising efforts, her actions consistently strengthen relationships and build a more compassionate, resilient community.
Caitlin has been described as a highly accomplished young leader who represents Narrabri with pride across education, agriculture, sport and community service.
A Narrabri High School prefect for 2026, Caitlin is a member of the Evoke Ag team and the Narrabri Rotaract Mentorship Program.
She was also the NSW winner of the prestigious Country to Canberra Leadership Competition. Caitlin has represented her school at both sporting and agricultural events, including as a CHS Athletics representative and participant in the Curious Minds Science Program.
Caitlin also volunteers her time at events such as the Eulah Creek Machinery Day and the Rotaract Walkathon, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back to her community.
This year’s Community Arts and Cultural Development Award was presented to Janice Smith.
Janice has made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to arts and culture in Narrabri through decades of mentorship, leadership and creative generosity.
She has shared her skills across a wide range of disciplines — from art and mosaic to needlework, freeform knitting and the highly specialised craft of cake decorating — inspiring participants from young children through to senior citizens.
As gallery co-ordinator for the Narrabri Art and Craft Society, Janice has been instrumental in the promotion, administration and vitality of the gallery, facilitating exhibitions, opening nights and fundraising events that have enriched the cultural life of the shire.
A respected Royal Easter Show judge for nearly 20 years, a life member of the society, and a long-standing leader within the Cake Decorators Guild NSW, Janice’s influence is visible across generations of local artists, makers and exhibitors.
Her work has not only preserved creative traditions but has fostered community connection, opportunity and cultural pride throughout Narrabri.
In addition to the award winners, finalists were also acknowledged for their dedication to community.
Lilian Davies, Patrick O’Hanlon, Poppy Fuller and Taryn Kirk were congratulated as finalists for Young Citizen of the Year.
Lilian is an exceptional young contributor whose involvement spans community service, leadership, music, sport and emergency services. A dedicated Scout for six years, Lilian is currently a patrol leader and has represented Narrabri at major camps across NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
She has led fundraising efforts for disaster relief, implemented a school recycling program recognised with a Narrabri Shire Citizenship Award, and regularly volunteers at community events and clean-ups. Lilian is also an accomplished musician, award-winning trumpeter, school captain of St Francis Xavier’s, a representative athlete across multiple sports, and an active supporter of the Rural Fire Service. Her maturity, leadership and generosity make her an outstanding role model for young people across the shire.
Patrick has made a meaningful contribution to the Narrabri community through his dedicated service with the Narrabri Junior Rural Fire Service. As a young volunteer, Patrick consistently demonstrates maturity, reliability and a strong sense of civic responsibility. He actively participates in training, maintenance and community education events, including the RFS Get Ready Weekend and local markets, where he helps promote fire safety awareness. Patrick’s positive attitude and willingness to help have made him a valued member of the Junior RFS and a role model for his peers, contributing to a safer, more connected and resilient community.
Poppy is a committed young leader who actively mentors others and strengthens community connections through service and fundraising. As a leader at Narrabri High School, Poppy upholds strong values while supporting initiatives such as Do It For Dolly Day, Minus18, Toys and Tucker, and R U OK Day. She serves as president of the Rotaract Mentorship Program, leading major fundraising events including the Narrabri Walkathon for CanAssist, supported by trivia nights and pizza sales. Poppy also volunteers with the Narrabri Pony Club to support annual camps and sporting opportunities. Through her leadership, kindness and dedication, Poppy inspires younger students to become involved and give back.
Taryn Kirk is a Year 11 student at Narrabri High School who exemplifies leadership, integrity and teamwork across academics, sport, music and community service. She has represented her school in programs such as the Science and Engineering Challenge, SALSA Leadership Program and the School Sport Council, where she helps organise major sporting events and mentor younger students. Taryn is an accomplished athlete, earning multiple cricket and netball awards at local, state and representative levels, and is also an active musician who has performed at ANZAC Day services. Her strong values, sportsmanship and commitment to excellence make her a respected leader within both her school and the wider Narrabri community.
As featured in last week’s edition of The Courier, finalists for the Citizen of the Year award included Tanya Charlton, Will Childs, Dennis Lowder OAM and Pat Hlad.
