Ken Middleton has been named Inverell Shire’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year following Sunday’s Awards ceremony at Victoria Park.

Mr Middleton was recognised for his dedication, selflessness, and passion for the Inverell community and those less fortunate, working with St Vincent de Paul Society, Inverell Men’s Haven of Hope and BEST Community Shed charity.

He says the award recognises not just himself.

Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Inverell High school student representative council president Josh Cathie who was recognised for his exceptional leadership, dedication to community service, and commitment to fostering positive change in his school and local community.

Over in Tingha, Jenny Hayden was announced as the town’s Citizen of the year for her many works within the Tingha Sports & Rec Club, Wing Hing Long, Catholic Church and Tingha MPS Hospital Auxiliary while Jekara Landsborough was recognised for her leadership, cultural and sporting qualities and named Young Citizen of the Year

Meantime over in Gwydir Shire, Mick Collins has been named as Warialda’s Citizen of the Year following a ceremony at the Showgrounds.

Emily Burgess and Maddison Findlater were announced as co Junior citizens of the year, Senior Citizen was David Coulton, Event of the year was the Croppa creek Classic ‘Walk back in Time while the Environmental Champion was awarded to the Gravesend Fishing club.

Daryl Burling is Bingara’s Citizen of the year while Blaire Johnson was named Junior Citizen of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year went to Richard Pankhurst, Community Event of the year was the Bingara Country Music Festival, Liam Johnson and Jarrod Petrus were named Junior Sportspersons, Tom Growth the Senor Sportsperson while the Sport Team of the Year was deserving awarded to the Bingara Bowls team who claimed a state title last year.