Citizen of the Year

Meredith and Shane Gibson are nominated for the Citizen of the Year award for their long-standing and heartfelt service to the Barellan community.

As dedicated volunteers, they began by organising an annual Sunday Roast for senior citizens, providing a home-cooked two-course meal for four years. Beyond cooking and serving at the Golf Club, they arranged transport and support for people with disabilities, ensuring everyone could enjoy the social atmosphere, music and traditional singalongs.

After each losing a parent to cancer, they channelled their experience into establishing Barellan’s “Biggest Morning Tea” in 1997.

What began in small local venues quickly grew, eventually moving to the CWA Rooms in 2010 to accommodate the expanding crowds. With the support of friends and family, the event now includes raffles, trading tables and donated prizes.

In 2023 alone, $7192 was raised, contributing to a remarkable total of $37,191.37 and still growing for the Cancer Council. Beyond fundraising, their efforts have united and strengthened the Barellan community.

Rachel Hyde is nominated for the Citizen of the Year award for her outstanding contribution to the wellbeing and inclusion of the Narrandera community.

A lifelong local, Rachel has an exceptional ability to bring people together in a welcoming, non-judgemental and supportive environment.

Through her wide range of fitness classes, she caters for all ages and abilities, from gentle, low-impact sessions for older residents and those recovering from illness or injury to more challenging programs for active participants.

Her classes foster not only physical health but also strong social connection, with post-exercise coffee catchups providing vital companionship for many who might otherwise feel isolated.

Rachel also delivers exercise programs at the nursing home, local high school and for sporting teams, and runs the local gym in collaboration with other instructors. She organises community events such as the annual town-to-beach run and participates in major marathons, encouraging locals to join her.

Through generosity, encouragement and genuine care, Rachel has strengthened both physical and mental health across the community.

Nyoka Prior is nominated for the Citizen of the Year award for her dedication, leadership and commitment to advancing the local community.

Nyoka has consistently applied her energy and initiative to projects that create lasting benefits, particularly her efforts in securing funding for Wiradjuri items of recognition, including the highly significant Wiradjuri Wall of Remembrance.

She is a central and respected community member who brings people together, with standout contributions including the organisation of 2025 Youth Week activities and program awards, a major achievement for council and young people alike.

Passionate about artwork and cultural expression, Nyoka has also been recognised by state representative Steph Cooke for her involvement in community projects.

She volunteers her time supporting young drivers, uniting schools to strengthen cultural understanding, and assisting with mental health initiatives.

Nyoka actively contributes across Landcare, council, sporting clubs, local businesses and the Aboriginal community. Her leadership, initiative and genuine care for others make her a worthy recipient of this recognition.

Josie Marks is nominated for the Citizen of the Year award for her lifelong commitment to education, volunteering and community development in Narrandera.

After many years working at TAFE NSW, Josie has continued her strong community involvement into retirement, contributing even more time and expertise to local organisations.

She is widely respected for her empathy, teamwork and leadership, particularly through her administrative and information technology skills.

Josie has played key roles with the Narrandera Business Group, where she has served as secretary since 2019, supporting local businesses and helping drive initiatives such as the Spring Fair and COVID-era promotional programs. Her long-standing volunteer service includes Narrandera Preschool, the Country Women’s Association and the Rural Women’s Gathering.

Professionally, Josie’s career in early childhood, secondary and adult education has benefited people of all ages across the district.

Through her dedication, generosity and loyalty, Josie has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the Narrandera community.

David Farley is nominated for the Citizen of the Year award for his quiet yet significant contribution to Narrandera through leadership, mentorship and philanthropy.

An agricultural leader born in the Riverina, David has held senior roles including former CEO of the Australian Agricultural Company and continues to influence agribusiness, logistics and water management at a national level.

Despite global connections, his commitment to Narrandera remains strong.

He has actively supported projects to improve the Narrandera Showground, including involvement in the 2023–2024 CRIF funding application, and has advocated for sustainable water management initiatives benefiting both agriculture and the environment.

David is also a strong supporter of improved regional logistics and economic development.

Beyond formal roles, he generously mentors’ local people, sharing his experience, time and resources.

He regularly supports community events such as Rotary charity fundraisers and business forums as a keynote speaker.

Working largely behind the scenes, David’s dedication continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference to the Narrandera community.

Young Citizen of the Year

Sam Williamson is nominated for Young Citizen of the Year for his exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and positive impact on both school and community life in Narrandera.

As school captain, he has exemplified integrity, respect, and inclusivity, inspiring students and staff alike. He has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Student Representative Council member, sporting team captain, house leader, and coach, fostering participation, teamwork, and school spirit.

Beyond the classroom, Sam has demonstrated community-mindedness through his leadership in the ANZAC march, helping to fundraise $10,000 for CanAssist, and representing Narrandera High at a leadership conference at NSW Parliament House.

His dedication to sport, mentoring younger players in cricket and AFL, and supporting his peers shows his commitment to helping others excel.

Sam’s maturity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to both service and leadership distinguish him as an outstanding young citizen, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Young Citizen of the Year award.

Senior Citizen of the Year

Denise Di Salvia is nominated for the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her lifelong dedication and service to the Narrandera community.

After moving to Narrandera in 1969 to teach at Narrandera High School, Denise quickly became deeply involved in community, church and cultural life.

Over many decades she has contributed as a Sunday school and scripture teacher, Narrandera Public School P&C member, and an active participant in Presbyterian church fellowships, generously sharing her musical talents at local nursing homes and community events.

Denise co-ordinated Bible Society concerts and Christmas concerts for many years and has been a committed member of Probus and the Narrandera District Garden Club since 1984.

As long-term treasurer and convenor of the Narrandera Camellia Show, including its landmark 50th anniversary, she has elevated the event to national prominence.

Denise’s passion, leadership and generosity have enriched countless organisations and friendships, leaving a lasting legacy of service and community spirit in Narrandera.

Judy Findlay is nominated for the Senior Citizen of the Year award for her lifelong dedication, leadership and service to the Barellan community.

A long-term resident, Judy’s passions for family, church and community have seen her contribute tirelessly across many organisations for decades.

She has been a committed member of the Country Women’s Association for 38 years, holding all executive roles at branch and group levels, and continues to serve despite declining mobility.

Judy has also supported the Red Cross, Barellan Swimming Club, local churches, the Barellan Show Society and aged care initiatives, where her efforts helped establish housing for over-55s.

A gifted writer and poet, she has played a key role in ANZAC Day and Australia Day commemorations, often serving as Master of Ceremonies.

Her advocacy for community issues, encouragement of young people, and strong support of local sport, particularly rugby league, reflect her generosity, resilience and enduring commitment to the wellbeing of Barellan.

Robert Norrie is nominated for the Senior Citizen of the Year award for his exceptional and longstanding service to the Narrandera community, particularly through Rotary.

Arriving in Narrandera on a 12-month teaching contract, Robert made the town his permanent home and has since devoted 38 years to Rotary and community service.

Joining the club in 1988, he became the backbone of its administration, serving multiple terms as President, Secretary and Executive Director, and earning Foundation Recognition and three Paul Harris Fellow awards.

Robert has shown a deep passion for supporting young people, leading school-based initiatives, managing Rotary scholarship programs and coordinating youth projects, including overseas service to Fiji.

Alongside his wife Joy, also a Paul Harris Fellow, Robert has supported fundraising for MND research and countless local projects.

Often working quietly behind the scenes, Robert’s reliability, generosity and commitment have made a lasting and meaningful contribution to Narrandera’s community life.

Bruce Guymer is nominated for the Senior Citizen of the Year award for his long and dedicated service to the Narrandera community through both employment and volunteering.

Over the years, Bruce has worked across key local industries and facilities, including wool farming, the Narrandera Airport and the Narrandera Showground.

Beyond his working life, he has given countless hours as a volunteer, particularly at the Showground and the now-closed Masonic Lodge, which raised vital funds for charities supporting people in need.

Bruce, together with his wife Pam, continues to volunteer regularly at the Showground, helping maintain facilities that host major community events, including those at the Pioneer Hall.

Known as quiet achievers, Bruce and Pam consistently offer their time and effort wherever support is needed.

Their reliability, hard work and willingness to help behind the scenes have played an important role in keeping community facilities operating smoothly. Bruce’s dedication reflects the true spirit of service and deserves recognition.

Organisation of the Year

Narrandera Garden Club is nominated for the Organisation of the Year award for its remarkable 45-year contribution to both gardening and community life in Narrandera.

Founded in 1978, the Club fosters friendship, learning, and civic pride through monthly meetings, garden visits, guest speakers, and plant exchanges.

Its flagship event, the annual Town and Country Open Garden Day, is entirely volunteer-driven and raises significant funds for local causes, including nearly $21,000 for CanAssist in 2025.

The Club also hosted the 50th and final Camellia Show in 2024 alongside Camellias Australia’s National Show, attracting enthusiasts nationwide and celebrating five decades of horticultural excellence.

Beyond events, the Club consistently supports the local community, donating to Meals on Wheels, the Rescue Squad, Community Radio, and school garden programs.

Through dedication, collaboration, and generosity, Narrandera Garden Club has become a cornerstone of local volunteerism, demonstrating how a small organisation can create lasting, meaningful impact across generations, and enriching the town socially, culturally, and charitably.

Environmental Award

John Hornbuckle is nominated for the Environmental Award for his outstanding and long-standing contribution to the Narrandera community and the natural environment.

A founding member of Narrandera Landcare in 1998, John has served as vice-chair for 20 years, providing leadership, expertise, and guidance on land management, revegetation, and community environmental projects.

Born and raised in Narrandera with deep family ties to forest management, he is highly respected locally for his knowledge and commitment.

John has advised landholders and councils on plant selection, coordinated tree plantings at Narrandera racecourse, shire waste disposal sites, and other public spaces, and contributed to major projects such as the restoration of Lake Talbot and the establishment of the Narrandera Wetlands.

He has participated in almost every Clean Up Australia Day for 27 years and brings exceptional skills in fencing, weed control, and event organisation.

John’s tireless advocacy, expertise, and hands-on involvement have significantly enhanced the local environment and community stewardship.