A young person with an impressive career in sports, who demonstrates an understanding of leadership and has a clear focus for her academic future, has been recognised at this year’s Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize.
Matilda Currey was awarded the 2025 Memorial Prize at a ceremony held on Monday, in recognition of her excellence in sporting achievement, education and academic achievement, as well as charitable activities.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens congratulated Matilda on being awarded the prize.
“Matilda’s commitment and dedication to her sporting, academic and school community – not to mention her leadership within her school and sporting groups – is truly outstanding,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“She’s an active member of the sporting community and has represented Wee Waa High School at various levels for sports such as netball, cricket and touch football.”
“Matilda has been recognised as the Sports Person of the Year at Wee Waa High School since 2020 and further extended her commitment by taking on the role of House Sporting Captain in 2024.”
“Additionally, Matilda is a mentor and coach for young netball players and umpires at the Narrabri Netball Club, a position of which she continually displays dedication and focus,” Mayor Tiemens added.
“This further demonstrates her outstanding leadership skills and the positive impact she has on the community.”
In recognition of her commitment to sports, Matilda was selected last year to take part in the NSW Combined High School Sports Association Tour to New Zealand for Rugby Union, representing her state and school at a higher level, while developing her player skills.
Matilda’s goal is to become a veterinarian, of which she further showed her commitment to this career by undertaking a placement at a local vet clinic, enabling her to gain crucial experience in her area of future study.
Mayor Tiemens also congratulated and paid tribute to all the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize 2025 finalists.
“We had four finalists this year, all of a very high standard, and it was very difficult for the panel members to choose one winner from such an exceptional field,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“We are grateful to the Hulbert family for providing us with the opportunity to celebrate and recognise their ambition, determination and strong sense of community spirit.”
Established in 2007 by Mr Thomas Whipp Hulbert in memory of his mother Lillian, the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize is awarded annually to a young person between the ages of 15 and 18 years born in the Narrabri district. It recognises the outstanding achievements of a young person be it through:
- an act of bravery or heroism
- charitable work in the Narrabri district
- academic or sporting achievement
The recipient is awarded $10,000, which is invested, held in trust and paid to the Prize winner on their 21st birthday.
This year’s finalists for the Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize were:
- Taryn Kirk
- Jack Hartnett
- Ashley Morris
- Matilda Currey (Winner)
Pictured: Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize winner Matilda Currey (L) with Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Darrell Tiemens and finalists (L-R) Ashley Morris, Taryn Kirk and Jack Hartnett.
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