Australia Day Awards in Barraba

Honours awarded at Barraba and Manilla Ceremonies

Australia Day Award ceremonies in Barraba and Manilla recognised exceptional contributors to the community on Monday 26 January 2026.

A good night, well attended by Barraba locals at the Golf Club

The 2025 Barraba Citizen of the Year was Arlene Weekes who has demonstrated outstanding local leadership and commitment. Arlene’s impact can be seen in the transformation of Queen Street over the last 12 months, through a public art program inviting residents to decorate pot planters. On most weekends, Arlene has hosted mosaic tiling workshops at her home and has provided hands-on instruction, patiently teaching participants the necessary techniques. She has managed every stage of the project and collaborated with Council to coordinate planter placement for a cohesive town design. The resulting display has become a vibrant talking point for both locals and visitors, symbolising the community’s spirit and creativity.

Barraba Citizen of the Year, Arleen Weekes accepting the Award; Brendon North, TRC Councillor; Susanne Gervay, Australia Day Ambassador and Bruce Weekes.

The 2025 Barraba Community Event of the Year went to the Barraba Golf Club for the Men’s Sand Green Championships which attracted visitors and over 100 competitors from across NSW, Queensland and Victoria. The town benefitted from the influx of players, most of whom stayed in town for the weekend, patronising the shops, restaurants, cafes and the other clubs.

Susanne Gervay, Australia Day Ambassador, Amanda Koopman and Ian Cabot accepting the Award on behalf of the Barraba Golf Club.

In attendance at the Barraba awards were Australia Day Ambassador Susanne Gervay and Tamworth Region Councillor Brendon North. Susanne Gervay - Writer and children's author. Award-winning Australian author Susanne Gervay writes powerful stories of courage, inclusion, and resilience for children, teens, and families.

At the Manilla Australia Day Awards at the Manilla Memorial Swimming Pool, Amanda Ormiston was given the honour of 2025 Manilla Citizen of the Year for her contributions to the Manilla community over many years. As a member of the Hunter New England Health District Manilla Board, she works diligently to ensure local needs are attended to while helping to promote health initiatives. She also serves as one of the coordinators for the very popular Manilla Park Run. Amanda has given a massive amount of time to the Manilla Pony Club and her involvement in Team Penning, both as a participant and a community volunteer, stems from her passionate love of horses.

Isabella Ormiston was named 2025 Manilla Young Citizen of the Year. As the 2025 Captain of Manilla Central School (Secondary Division), Isabella has displayed loyalty, leadership and camaraderie in partnership with the teaching staff and her fellow pupils. In addition to academic accomplishments, she displays a wonderful talent not only as a skilled horse rider but also her wide understanding of the care and wellbeing of horses deserves the highest praise.

Dr Kirralea Bartholomew was named the 2025 Manilla Achiever of the Year for demonstrating success, excellence and dedication both in her professional career and in voluntary roles for the good of the Manilla community. While relatively new to Manilla, in the two years Kirralea has been in the town, she has built deep friendships and connections, and has made a huge contribution. Through her involvement with Manilla Presbyterian Church and as a leader on the Scott’s Head Combined Churches Camp, Kirralea has provided opportunities for local teenagers to socialise, have fun and grow. Before the birth of her third son, she ran the Manilla Playgroup, engaging with Playgroup NSW, managing a team and delivering safe, stimulating and engaging activities for kids. Kirralea also supported the establishment of the weekly Kids' Music Time, promoting opportunities for children aged 0-5 to interact, explore music and rhythm, learn and grow. And in her professional life as a GP, she is consistently patient, thoughtful, thorough and informative.

Attending the celebrations in Manilla were Australia Day Ambassador Susanne Gervay and Tamworth Region Councillor Charles Impey.