"I was shocked, I didn't think I was actually in the running at all," Emily Ryan told the Coonamble Times.

"Everyone there was very deserving and they've all made a huge commitment to our community.

"It's crazy the number of people who do things in our community.

"I was very honoured that I was recognised because there are a lot of people in town doing things that go unnoticed."

"Also, I thought I'm too young to be Citizen of the Year," she joked.

At twenty eight, Emily is possibly the youngest resident to ever achieve the title but few would argue that she hasn't earned it. She's already proven her mettle, even amid a strong field that included some veteran volunteers.

Emily was born in Gulargambone and grew up in Coonamble, and began volunteering in high school.

"I was on the Student Representative Council, in the Bovine Appreciation Club, and we'd also do fundraising for different things to help the school, like discos and barbeques," she said.

"My family have always volunteered so I was surrounded by people who are part of everything and are at every event."

"My mum Kerryn and nan Shirley Ryan are big volunteers.

"We always said if you want something done you ask a busy person, they just get in and get it done, so I just followed in their footsteps," she said. 

As well as working full-time as Assistant Principal at Coonamble Public School, Emily currently holds an executive position on no less than five committees and is an active member of at least three more.

She is Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Coonamble; Secretary of the Coonamble Show Society; Vice President of the Castlereagh Women’s Rugby League; Secretary of Coonamble Royal Far West; President of the local branch of the Teachers Federation; Member of Coonamble Bears Rugby League; a Volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and assists with a number of community events.

Coonamble's Citizen of the Year for 2024 Emily Ryan, pictured with partner Jake Fernando. IMAGE: Coonamble Times

"I don't mind where I sit or what I do but usually I have a purpose that fits my passions, whether its youth involvement or a sport I participate in.

"Mostly its about the youth," says Emily. "I think watching the community enjoying themselves is the biggest kick you get.

"It's satisfying when you put things on and see people fully engaged.

"For Rotary its seeing people get better or being grateful for being given an opportunity or money to support them - it's a feel-good moment."

Emily believes you get as much as you give when you're involved in working alongside others who serve their community.

"It's often very social," she said. "They become like your family, some days you talk to them more than you talk to your real family. 

"They're people you build strong relationships with, you can have a laugh and enjoy the process in whatever you're doing."

Coonamble's Australia Day Award recipients [back row] Emily Ryan, Jarron Welsh (Junior Sportsperson), Alexander Hegarty (Junior Citizen), Cathy Wheelhouse (Neighbourhood Centre - Community Group of the Year). [middle row] Brad Shields (Sportsperson), Aus Day Ambassador Carolyn Mee, Barwon MP Roy Butler, Mandy Cormie and Annette Chapman (CNC members), Cr Pat Cullen, Wayne Phillips (CNC member), Kerryn Ryan, Annette Thomson, Kylie Parry (Quota Club - event of the year). [front] Renate Hume (Quota), Janis Nicol (CNC President), Annette McMullen (Quota)

She strongly recommends joining a group, regardless of your age.

"A lot think its for older people who've retired and just fit it in on the side but mostly on my committees the volunteers work full-time."

"I just wish more people got involved in stuff. I think if people don't step up in the next few years we're going to start losing stuff in our community."

Emily is amused that people think she'll give up volunteering now she is on the verge of motherhood, with her first baby due on the June Long Weekend.

"If anything it gives me even more reason," she said. "You want your kids to grow up having opportunities but if we don't volunteer those opportunities won't be there.

"I think, what opportunities do I want my child to be involved in and what can I do to keep that succession going?"

"I'd just say give it a go. Find something you're interested in, there's a community group for everything. If every person joined just one group, we'd have enough to run all the groups in town."