AN ABORIGINAL support service worker has been named Tamworth's citizen of the year at an Australia Day ceremony this morning.
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The Citizen of the Year award went to proud Goreng Goreng woman, Christine Walters OAM.
Mrs Walters is an Aboriginal Service Support Specialist with Services Our Way, a program that operates in the Tamworth region supporting Indigenous families.
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The program works with families to prevent or resolve issues before they become a problem, resulting in homelessness, eviction or family violence.
"My work in the community inspires me to continue to fight to keep children safe and out of foster care, to break the cycle of distress and give people a better quality of life," Mrs Walters said.
Mrs Walters was among those who worked to establish the Coledale Community Centre, a vital community resource that provides services and programs to local residents.
Mrs Walters and her husband regularly open up their home to those who need help.
The Young Citizen of the Year award went to Lara Graham.
Ms Graham received the Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award last year. Throughout 2019, Ms Graham assisted with the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council school holiday program.
Lara was actively involved in the Oxley High School community in 2019 where she co-ordinated the Clean Up Australia Day activities.
She was involved in the Oxley High Sports Council and participated in various events including the Relay For Life which raised $7,500 for the Cancer Council.
Lara was selected in the NSW Combined High School 2nd XI side and the Cricket NSW/ACT Country side.
Winner of the Mitchell Brady Encouragement Award, Bailey Wolrige, is an active member of the Tamworth High School and Tamworth sporting communities.
He was described as "a conscientious student who treats his peers and staff with respect and is often seen helping others", volunteering in the canteen and coaching students to improve their touch football skills.
A role model for younger students and teammates, Bailey is seen as a natural leader, often recognised at the 'best and fairest' for his sportsmanship and comradery.
He is described as "a dedicated young man who strives to do his best, by helping others and having a go."