Mayor congratulates 2025 Australia Day awards recipients

Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens has congratulated recipients of the 2025 Australia Day awards, which were presented at celebrations earlier today. 

“This year’s awards have highlighted the outstanding achievements and contributions by each recipient along with their unwavering commitment to our Shire,” Cr Tiemens said. 

“It was a great honour to present these awards, including to our Citizen of the Year Bruce Gray, Junior Sportsperson of the Year Chase Ford and Senior Sportsperson of the Year Angela Knox.  

“All are very worthy award recipients, who continue to go above and beyond for their community. 

“I’d also like to thank everyone who put forward nominations for this year’s awards, including for the Narrabri Shire Citizen of the Year,” Cr Tiemens added. 

“It’s always great to see the recognition of the enormous contribution from these community members, and I thank everyone who took the time to submit nominations. 

“Whether it’s in sport, helping the community or the hard work of our local businesses, we in Narrabri Shire are a community of high achievers, of which we should all be proud.  

“Every year it is difficult to choose our Australia Day award recipients from such an outstanding field of nominations, and this year was no exception.  

“I’d like to congratulate and thank all our Australia Day awards recipients for your dedication and service to our Shire.” 

Australia Day 2025 in Narrabri Shire saw communities from across the region come together with events taking place at Boggabri, Narrabri and Wee Waa.

Narrabri Shire Australia Day 2025 Awards 

*Pictured L-R: Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens, Senior Sportsperson of the Year Angela Knox, Citizen of the Year Bruce Gray and Junior Sportsperson of the Year Chase Ford.

*Please see below for biographies of this year's Australia Day Awards recipients

Citizen of the Year:  Bruce Gray 

Bruce’s commitment to his community extends to over 40 years, including his involvement in a number of committees, such as Wee Waa Lions. Additionally, Bruce’s contribution to the wider community of Narrabri Shire has truly benefited our whole Shire. 

Always willing to help and looking at ways to improve and benefit the Wee Waa community’s wellbeing, Bruce’s continued service and commitment is demonstrated by his ongoing involvement in all areas of service to Wee Waa organisations. 

He was one of the instigators in getting the Weeronga Aged Care Hostel combined with the Karinga committee, to improve the Karinga village aged care services. 

Bruce contributed positively to the Wee Waa Doctor Housing project, co-ordinating with contractors and contributing many hours of physical labour to ensure the project was a success. 

Additionally, he has been part of the working committee regarding the Wee Waa Hospital services. 

Bruce’s awards include Life Membership of Wee Waa Apex (1989); a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1997 in ‘recognition of service to community' and Wee Waa Lions Senior Citizen Award (2023).  

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Chase Ford 

Chase moved to Narrabri in late 2018 at the age of eight. He joined Narrabri Pistol Club in 2022 at the age of 12 and has enjoyed travelling and competing at many events throughout New South Wales and Queensland in the discipline of Small Bore Metallic Silhouette.

Chase is becoming a well-known member of Narrabri Pistol Club and assists with the preparations of upcoming shoots. 

His achievements include selection for the inaugural New South Wales Junior Small Bore Pistol Team.  

This team claimed the Australian National Junior Champion four-match aggregate team title held at the Narrabri Pistol Club in September. Chase also placed second in the individual Junior Small Bore four-match aggregate. 

After turning 14 years old, Chase was able to compete in the Big Bore event where he claimed the Junior Big Bore Four-match aggregate Championship. This was also the first time Chase had shot a match in this event. 

Chase also placed first in the Junior four-match aggregate at Bowral and Inverell events, as well as second at the Narrabri local event and NSW State Championships. 

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Angela Knox 

Angela's commitment to sports and her talent for coaching make her an invaluable role model in the Narrabri sports community, excelling both as a player and coach across various sports, including netball, touch football, league tag and Oztag in Narrabri.  

Her unique ability to actively participate while mentoring younger players on the field sets Angela apart. She not only showcases skill and dedication as an athlete but demonstrates remarkable leadership, fostering growth and development in the younger athletes around her.  

Additionally, Angela has made an outstanding contribution to Indigenous representation in sports through her participation and leadership.  

This leadership, combined with Angela’s initiative, has not only strengthened Narrabri’s presence in Indigenous sports but created invaluable opportunities for Indigenous athletes in her community. This has also fostered a stronger sense of community and cultural pride. 

Her selection for the Indigenous team at the 2024 Oztag Invitational Tournament led to her being chosen for the Western Sydney Tigers, allowing her to compete at the National Oztag Tournament in November 2024. This achievement underscores her athletic skill and dedication. 

Additionally, Angela played a pivotal role in organising Narrabri's first Indigenous open team at the Koori Netball Tournament in October, where her team finished third in their pool, narrowly missing the finals by just one point.  

The community has greatly benefited from Angela’s contributions and service, particularly in promoting Indigenous representation and involvement in sports, while also serving as a source of inspiration and role model for young athletes.