Australia Day Winners
Australia Day Award winners announced in Barraba
A strong crowd came together at the Barraba RSL Memorial Hall to celebrate Barraba’s unsung heroes at the annual Australia Day Awards event which included a community lunch and free community access to Barraba Pool for the day.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said that after another challenging twelve months, it was important that we all come together to celebrate our achievements.
“I would like to thank each and every individual who won and was nominated for an award. Your ongoing commitment helps make our community a better place,” he said.
For her work in the Barraba sporting community, Mrs Amie Middlemiss was awarded 2021 Barraba Citizen of the Year. Over the past twelve months, she has provided a voice for both men’s and women’s Rugby Union teams locally and region-wide. She has been the driving force for the Barraba Women’s Rugby 7’s team that competed in the Central North competition. Ms Middlemiss is also a strong supporter of the Barraba Netball and Tennis associations.
The 2021 Frank Darlington Young Achiever of the Year was awarded to Ms Zahlie Cabot, who has had a tremendous year with her educational and extracurricular activities. Ms Cabot had an academic scholarship at The New England Girls School in Armidale, and topped her class in PDHPE, English, Science, Christian Studies and Technology. Outside of school, she competed in the Da Vinci Academic Decathlon competition, and excelled in her touch football and rugby union at a representative level. Even with a busy schedule, Ms Cabot played a big role in helping her younger siblings through home-schooling during lockdown.
The 2021 Community Event of the Year was a tie between Nandewar Historical Society Museum for hosting the Annual Barraba Markets, and the Barraba Lions Club for hosting the Christmas Tree event.
The Barraba Lions Club for organizing Christmas gifts to local children for the last 2 years. The usual event was changed as a result of the challenging 2 years with Covid-19. From all accounts, it was a memorable experience for the children to have the gifts delivered to their schools.
The Nandewar Historical Museum Annual Markets held a successful COVIDSafe event in 2021. Jenny Botha was recognised for her tireless work behind the scenes in making this event happen. The annual market bought the community together through locally made products, a community BBQ and wonderful entertainment from local musicians.