Tamworth volunteer Mike Cashman has been named Tamworth’s citizen of the year, recognised for his tireless volunteer work and contribution to local sport.
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Mr Cashman received the Australia Day award at the community centre alongside young citizen of the year Isaac Moxon and Lara Graham, winner of the Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award.
Since moving to Tamworth in 1965, Mr Cashman has made many contributions to the community.
Mr Cashman has been a member of the Tamworth Historical Society for 38 years, he coordinated the Tamworth Bicentenary Celebrations in 2018, and is co-ordinator of the numerous school visits to Calala Cottage.
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For 22 years Mr Cashman has been a member of the Friends of Tamworth Libraries and is a member of the Tamworth branch of Men of League.
He has volunteered at visitors’ information centres for 30 years and currently responsible for the coach group orientation for the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Mr Cashman has also served as a secretary for the Tamworth Collectors Club.
His presence has been strongly felt within many sporting circles in town.
He is a life member of the Tamworth Zone Public Sports Schools Association and North West Public Schools Sports Association and was a North West PSSA Regional Sports Organiser for three years organising carnivals in hockey, soccer, basketball, tennis and cricket.
Another major contributor to the local community, teenager Isaac Moxon, was named young citizen of the year.
The former Tamworth High School prefect is being recognised for his excellent leadership and communication skills within both the indigenous and wider communities of Tamworth.
He has been a member of the school Student Representative Council and the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
In 2018, he was awarded the Platinum Award and a Prestigious Principal Medal from Tamworth High School.
The 2018 Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award was presented to Oxley High School’s Lara Graham for her achievements in sport and dedication to community.
The event also included a citizenship ceremony where 24 local residents became new Australian citizens.
Nundle
Nundle also held an Australia Day celebration and honoured three local residents at a formal awards ceremony on Saturday.
Nundle Citizen of the Year was awarded to Shirley Ryan for her dedication to the young, aged and disabled members of the community.
The Community Appreciation Award went to Faye Inman and the Community Recognition Award went to Bladen Street.
Manilla
Manilla volunteer Sue Yates was named Manilla’s citizen of the year for her dedication to raising funds for a much-needed community bus.
Ms Yates has led a campaign to raise the money required to purchase the bus, having worked tirelessly for over to years along side a small working committee.
Manilla Central School year 12 student Katie Taylor was awarded young citizen of the year and the Manilla RSL Sub Branch’s “Honour Our Fallen” flag project was declared community event of the year.
Under Ms Yate’s leadership, the group has raised close to $40,000 with numerous fundraising efforts coordinated by Ms Yates including a second-hand book store, selling raffle tickets, golf and bowls fundraising events and the collection of recycled bottles.
Ms Yates also lobbied and received donations from several local organisations to go towards the fund.
Councillor Jim Maxwell, who represented Tamworth Regional Council at the event, said the award was much deserved recognition for a passionate fundraiser.
“Ms Yates has been a driving force behind the fundraising and her efforts have been described as relentless by members of her community,” he said.
“Her determination to see her dream of a new community bus come to fruition is a wonderful example of the dedication and enthusiasm she has for her local community and I wish her all the very best with her campaign.”
Mr Peter Cousens BD, ADG, one of the Australia Day Council of NSW’s official ambassadors, joined the Manilla community for its celebration.
Mr Cousens is a well-renowned actor, singer and producer who is also an Ambassador for Destiny Rescue, an Australian based organisation committed to rescuing young people from human trafficking across South East Asia.
Barraba
Barraba has recognised the efforts one its one long-serving volunteers and named Tim Crowley its citizen of the year.
Mr Crowley volunteers with the Barraba Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association where he has held the position of President for the past 12 years.
His long running association with the Barraba Show began over 40 years ago when he was a steward for the horse section of the event.
He is also a delegate on the Showground Management Committee, a volunteer with the Rural Fire Service and he regularly assists with several other clubs and committees including the Peel Valley Cutting Club, the Barraba Rugby Club, and the Upper Horton Rodeo.
In recent years Mr Crowley has also volunteered with Barraba Pony Club where he was president for many years.
Councillor Jim Maxwell, who represented Tamworth Regional Council at the event, said the award was much deserved recognition for a passionate volunteer. “Mr Crowley has been a dedicated and active volunteer in the Barraba community for many, many years.
“He has held several positions on community committees for long periods of time and this is indicative of the commitment and enthusiasm he has for his local community.” he said.
Year 12 student Riley Bomford received the Frank Darlington Young Achiever of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution to sport while the 2018 Westpac Rescue Helicopter Barraba Support Group Gala Night was declared Community Event of the Year.
Ms Promilla Gupta, one of the Australia Day Council of NSW’s official ambassadors, joined the Barraba community for its celebration.
Ms Gupta is a Newcastle based chef who has dedicated her working life to promoting Indian culture and cuisine.