By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE is the best place in the world.
That’s the view of June Danger who was named Armidale’s Citizen of the Year on Sunday.
Mrs Dangar was a popular winner of the award at the city’s Australia Day ceremony at the racecourse.
“I knew I had been nominated, but I didn’t think I was a chance of winning,” she said.
“I’m so proud to be from Armidale, though. We have such a beautiful city and it’s a magnificent place to be.”
Mrs Dangar has given her life to the community.
Her first volunteering role was with the Red Cross when she was in school at Uralla, but has since held many positions with numerous committees and boards.
Not only is she a stalwart of the Armidale Show, but she has been president of Armidale Quota International and Lieutenant Governor and Governor of the 24th District of Quota International.
Mrs Dangar was an inaugural board member of the New England Regional Art Museum and is currently on the board of Jobs Australia and involved with several other organisations.
“I’ve actually had to step back a bit in the last few years and learnt to say no,” she said.
“Now I choose to do what I enjoy.”
As the honourary secretary and treasurer of the Armidale Show, the annual event has been Mrs Dangar’s pride and joy over the years.
However, an influx of younger volunteers in recent times has her confident the show will be in good hands when she steps away.
“The show was in dire straits and we’ve turned it around,” she said.
“I have a good band of volunteers who are under 30 and they are making a big difference.”
Fellow volunteers Cyril and Hazel Green were recognised for their efforts when they were named Armidale’s Senior Citizens of the Year.
The Greens have been long-time servants for the community, working with the aged and people with disabilities.
Together they helped raise $4000 for the Armidale Hospital ICU and $12,500 for the Jimmy Little Foundation.
They have previously received the Premier’s Seniors Week award and Cyril received an Order of Australia Medal in 2011.
* More award winners, page 17.
