2017 was a big year of success for Jaxon who received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence from the University of Newcastle, the Karen Carter Chemist Leadership Award and the Gunnedah Leather Processors Award for Service to the School Community.

He was also captain at Gunnedah High School, obtained a Certificate III in Retail Operations and became a certified McDonald’s crew trainer. 

Jaxon was also part of the high school’s Speak Off team at the Gunnedah Eisteddfod and was awarded the champion of the school for his speech on the importance of art. 

His ability to juggle success with school and work is a testament to his determination and leadership.

Ivan Towns Memorial Award

Maryanne Perkins has trained people from the ages of 8-76 years old. Her passion and dedication to those she trains not only helps people obtain a healthy lifestyle and their physical health goals but has also assisted people to develop a positive outlook on life. 

Maryanne works with people of various abilities and those she has trained have gone on to be representatives in athletics, cross country, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, netball, soccer and tennis throughout the North West. 

She is always going beyond her role as a coach and is viewed as a mentor, teaching life lessons of setting goals, developing work ethic, fostering dedication and determination, channelling passion into success, sportsmanship and believing in people and their dreams.

Community Achievement Award, and Ossie and Beryl Campbell Memorial Volunteer of the Year 

Gunnedah Salvation Army hinges on the active contributions to the community of Major Gaye Day and Captain Richard Day.

The Days assist people in need with a friendly face and a kind heart. They ensure their assistance in the community comes in a variety of forms, from helping people to play the drums in the Salvation Army band and having a good time, to handing out Christmas hampers to the needy.

The Tempest Street facility has become a safe space for people to feel comfortable and welcome and those who attend are always met with the open hands and hearts of the Days.

Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year Award 

Taryn Maher is a remarkable sports person for her age of 16. Her international and national achievements for golf are truly astounding. She came first in the Junior Olympics in California in July 2016 taking home a gold medal, and was 11th in the World All Stars in Las Vegas in July last year.

She was the Australian age champion in 2017 and received first place at the Junior Masters Qualifier in Goondiwindi in September 2017. 

In late 2016, she was the Srixon International Nett Winner and placed first in the Summer Classic and Australian Age Champs in Yeppoon in 2016. She was also named the most dedicated sportsperson for golf at NIAS in 2017. 

Taryn has turned her hand at many other sports, representing Gunnedah High School in touch, league tag, rugby league and cricket. This year has unfortunately seen Taryn succumb to injury but her determination and passion will ensure she most definitely has huge success in her chosen field in the future.

Cultural Award and Community Achievement Award 

Dalton Dorrington and Emma Costello are diligent and caring health workers with HealthWise New England North West, co-ordinating various health and lifestyle programs to enrich the lives of Elders and chronic disease clients. They are also a part of the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). 

The pair have participated in various community events, such as the Say No to Violence Walk, Fun in the Park Day and various NAIDOC Events. The advocacy, care, kindness and dedication to their jobs resonate throughout the community. 

Eve Turner Perpetual Trophy

Christine has been a part of Gunnedah Physical Culture for 31 years and has been a fierce advocate for the sport since competing as a child. She also instructed the sport in Sydney for two years prior to joining the Gunnedah Club.

In 2017, she became head teacher in Gunnedah and entered their second-ever ladies team in the zone competition. 

Christine was heavily involved in the 125-year celebration of Bjelke-Petersen Physical Culture – Australia’s longest running and premier physical culture organisation. At the celebration, Christine was honoured to be recognised for teaching for 32 years.

She has been a wealth of knowledge for many years, imparting her wisdom to all age groups across physical culture and has helped the sport grow in Gunnedah.

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