Chris Forbes and Lyn Forbes were nominated due to their involvement and commitment towards the betterment of the town.

Chris is described as “a pillar of the Barraba community” and has been heavily involved in developing the Barraba Rugby Club.

He also volunteers his time on the Barraba Showground Management Committee and Barraba Show Committee, always lending his skills and knowledge to assist the committee.

Lyn was nominated for her work with the Catholic Women’s Association, Book Club, Barraba Potters and Craft Guild and Barraba Show.

Described as “the most kind-hearted person you will find”, outside of her volunteer work Lyn is known for her brilliant skills in jam and pickle cooking, which she often donates to local causes.

The Frank Darlington Young Achiever of the Year Award went to Ashleigh Bailey for her commitment to be a part of an overseas humanitarian project during a gap year after she completed her Higher School Certificate at Barraba Central School.

Ashleigh self-funded her trip by gaining a food handling certificate, allowing her to work in the local restaurant while still studying for her exams. During her trip, she taught English in a village in Vietnam and is now back in Australia and attending Wollongong University.

The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the 2015 Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The ceremony drew a large crowd and was held in the garden area of the Barraba Health Service.

The choice of venue was described as “fitting to acknowledge the men and women who served our great nation during times of war and many of whom paid the ultimate price”.