Mayor Paul Harmon said despite their best efforts, it was unable to go ahead. He aid he'd always relished the opportunity to remind people of the pride others have when they chose to become Australian.

"We are a very multicultural community in Inverell - I think we have a sprinkling of every nationality within our community, which makes it a strong and vibrant community," he said.

And with their only being one award section, he continued to lament there could only be one winner.

The quality of all four nominees up for the Citizen of the Year title encapsulated perfectly the community spirit thriving within the Sapphire City.

Alongside Dick Hudson, who was crowned Inverell's Citizen of the Year, put in for the award with him were Deborah Turner, Terri Smith and Geoff Harris.

Read about their merits, as read aloud in the ceremony, here.

Geoff Harris is a well-known volunteer to several community orgainsations in Inverell, including the Salvation Army, HACC, Inverell Tennis Club, Inverell East Probus, the Delvyn Bridge Club and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

He Volunteers as a driver with HACC's Community Access Bus and continued to perform this role through the increasing Covid restrictions.

He is a keen Tennis player and is both a hands-on helper at working bees and also at committee level.

He has also injected hundreds of volunteer hours with the Salvation Army, ensuring the bushfire catering trailer reached emergency service workers and community members in need.

Terri has dedicated countless volunteer hours to rescue dogs from the pound and those being surrendered by owners to ensure they are not euthanised.

Over the past 21 months, Terri has rescued about 200 dogs, using her own vehicle and trailer to transport dogs to a rescue organisation at Glen Innes.

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She also ensures the rescue dogs are vet checked, have the necessary vaccinations, food and care they require.

Deborah Turner

Deborah Turner is a volunteer extraordinaire, dedicating her time to Inverell Meals on Wheels. Deb volunteers for the service five days each week, delivering meals to clients with a friendly smile, and is always prepared to go the extra mile to help others.

Deb's caring nature and readiness to have a chat with clients means she is a much-loved volunteer for both the service and the residents.

Her contribution to Meals on Wheels during the difficult Covid period has also been highly valuable and she has assisted residents to relieve loneliness and maintain a sense of connection.

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