Australia Day ceremony in Barraba

BARRABA AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS REPORT FROM THE ‘NEWS TEAM’

This year’s Awards ceremony was once again held at the Barraba Golf Club – inside in relative airconditioned comfort, thank goodness, given it was a day of extreme heat in Barraba.

The proceedings were kicked off by the Barraba Band with some Aussie tunes. MC Helen Rixon introduced the official guests - Australia Day Ambassador John Lee, and, representing Tamworth Regional Council, Councillor Stephen Mears. Mr Lee was born in Zimbabwe, immigrated to Australia in 1973 and became an Australian Citizen in 1980. He and his wife Robyn settled in the Tweed Heads area. They began to notice the numbers of marginalized persons – so in 2008 the formed a charity which they called “You have a Friend”. Now they have eighty volunteers, provide over 300 meals a week, and run an Op Shop, assisting many homeless and other marginalised people.

Congratulations to Barraba’s very worth award recipients Kim and Nick Peake and the Frost Over Barraba Festival committee.

After the official proceedings were finalised, the crowd was entertained by Jarrod Taylor and his band, and food was provided by the Barraba Rotary Club. Thanks to Council’s organiser, Lisa Hannaford, for a very well run ceremony (and a comfortable one inside in the air conditioning!)