Tanya Brown was overcome with emotion when accepting the Taree Citizen of the Year award on Australia Day.
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The musician, business owner, volunteer and teacher has promoted arts and culture in the Manning for many years through a range of community groups and events such as Manning Valley Concert Band, PCYC athletics, Rainbow Warriors, Australian Children's Music Foundation, Rotary, Lions, Manning Winter Festival, Taree Eisteddfod and Wingham Akoostik Festival.
Despite her dedication to the community, Tanya said winning the award "was really unexpected."
"It's not an individual thing that we do, we want to make it clear we acknowledge everybody who helps us in every project," a humble Tanya said.
"We're really lucky to live in an area where we have a huge network of volunteers who jump in when the work needs to be done.
"I know I've got this (award) because I'm often standing out the front with a microphone talking but there's so many people in the background who make it all happen... our community would be much poorer without them."
Accepting the award at the Taree Australia Day function, held on the Taree RiverStage, Tanya thanked her family and fellow volunteers.
"Everything we do is with our family, friends and colleagues so the reward comes from being involved in all those projects," Tanya said.
Her Australia Day message was simple - follow your passions and give back to the community.
"We'd encourage more people to get involved in community projects whatever they be," Tanya said.
"Follow your passions where it be a surf life saving club or community garden, go out there and get involved."
Tanya remains a proud Australian and resident of the Manning Valley.
"We've got the (Manning) river, beaches, mountains, waterfalls and the people are fantastic," Tanya smiled.
Other Citizen of the Year nominees were Allana Hancock, Dr Alison McIntosh, Rosie Smith and Dr Nigel Roberts.
