Resident leads update to shire honours board

A long-overdue update to the Australian Honours Board located in the public area of the Narrabri Shire Council administration building is now underway, thanks to a community research effort and the support of Narrabri Shire Council instigated by Richard Barry.

Local resident Mr Barry recently discovered that the honour board, which recognises recipients of significant awards connected to the Narrabri Shire, had not been updated for several years. Determined to correct the record, he undertook several months of research using publicly available sources and identified a number of award recipients whose names should be recorded.

Following discussions with the mayor and senior council staff, Mr Barry is pleased to report that the council has agreed to his proposal to install a replacement honour board to ensure the achievements of community members are properly recognised.

Mr Barry also wrote to and sought advice from the Honours and Awards Secretariat within the Office of the Governor-General of Australia. Every effort will be made to ensure the list is accurate and complete, with particular attention given to identifying recipients who may have previously lived in the area but have since relocated.

The Community Legacy Recognition Policy is currently on public exhibition for 28 days from 17 June. Following the exhibition period, the policy will be returned to a subsequent council meeting, together with a summary of any submissions received, for further consideration.

Residents must have received an Australian Honours List Award by the Australian government’s office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. Residents must have a locality within the Narrabri Shire as their home town on their Australian Honours List Award.

The council will update the board annually during the month of February. The general manager (or their delegate) will utilise the Australian government Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Australian honours search facility to identify recipients of Australian Honours List Awards over the last year who live within the Narrabri Shire.

Members of the public who are aware of recipients of significant honours or awards connected to the Narrabri Shire are encouraged to contact the council to assist in ensuring the Australian Honour Board is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.