In Tamworth, 92-year old Keith Stevenson was given the honour of 2024 Tamworth Citizen of the Year. Mr Stevenson served the country as a National Serviceman, and has been a Legatee since 1996 and is still actively involved with both organisations, as well as several sporting and community groups in Tamworth including Rotary, Probus, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, Calala Cottage and more.

Harry Burkett was awarded Tamworth’s Young Citizen of the Year, recognised for his work with the Tamworth Show Society and Tamworth Salvation Army, while Oxley High School student Ruby Woods was presented the Mitchell Brady encouragement award.

2024 Manilla Citizen of the Year is Neville Faulkner, a co-founder of the Volunteer Rescue Association’s Manilla branch, Oxley Community Transport driver and volunteer at the Manilla Information Centre. Cooper Taylor was the recipient of Manilla Young Citizen of the Year for his work with the Manilla Show Society.

The Manilla Renewable Energy Group were recognised for their renewable energy weekend and 100-Mile Dinner as the Community Event of the Year, while the Manilla Community Choir was the recipient of the Achievement Award.

Barraba’s Jenny Simpson was announced Citizen of the Year for her many volunteer roles in the community including  Meals on Wheels, Claypan Gallery, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Ruby Mae’s Wish. Aspiring athlete Akira Kanno was awarded Frank Darlington Young Achiever of the Year for her efforts at both State Athletics and State Swimming Championships, and The Barraba Sports Shear and Wool Handling was recognised as the Barraba Community event of the Year.

On hand to present the awards in Barraba and Manilla was Australia Day Ambassador Mel Thomas, a second dan blackbelt and two-time Australian Hapkido champion.

In Nundle, Cheryl Sipple was presented the Community Recognition Award for her work at the Sport and Recreation Club.

Congratulations and thank you to all nominees across the region!