LONG-SERVING contributor Barry French proved to be a popular winner of Muswellbrook’s Citizen of the Year award as part of the town’s Australia Day celebrations.
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A resident since 1963, Mr French said he was “astounded” to win the award earlier this week despite his impressive impact on the community.
He has been a mentor for children, promoted understanding with non-Aboriginal people, joined the Planning Committees for Mines and Council, and assisted with several projects at schools across the Upper Hunter.
Mr French said the most rewarding part of his work was the friendships he had made over the years.
“I’ve been working with Aboriginal kids since around 1990 and I’ve done a lot to try and bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous youths,” he said.
“I’ve also done a lot of work in education at Muswellbrook and gone to various areas like Scone.
“But it’s been great to just be with people.
“I have got a lot of friends throughout this town, it was hard at the beginning but there are so many good people here.”
In the other categories, the Young Citizen of the Year went to Thomas Hogan for his charity work and success in education.
The Northoak award went to Lyn Richards for her efforts in agriculture, which included the initiation of the Upper Hunter Youth Cattle Camp in 2013.
Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Atticus Sinclair, who represented his school and town in touch football, athletics and soccer.
The Muswellbrook under-17 representative netball side took out the Team of the Year award for their undefeated season in A grade.
They also had success at carnivals, ending the year with a winning rate of 92.7 per cent.
Fiona Hordern and Ian Ingle were also recognised for their services to sport over the years.