While 26 January means many things to many different people, in Gulargambone it is a chance to celebrate the special people in their small town.

On a day that topped 43 degrees at its peak, two hundred Gulargambone locals showed up despite the heat to celebrate their community.

Kay O'Dell was recognised as the 2024 Gulargambone Citizen of the Year at this year's Australia Day celebrations at Gulargambone Lions Park.

Described by Gulargambone Australia Day secretary Daphne Earsman as someone who "goes about her everyday life quietly doing what she can for this community" Kay's resume of community work is full as a boot.

Kay's days are filled with running early morning swims at the Gulargambone Pool, spending time with the craft group at the Gulargambone Multipurpose service, waitressing at the coffee club, volunteering at the second hand shop on Thursdays, all before her many roles within the presbyterian church where she is an active member.

"It was a surprise," said Kay.

"I feel very honoured for the award, and I know it’s only a small town but there is a lot of people who do a lot of work."

Kay first moved to Gulargambone eleven years ago with her husband for a tree change from the central coast.

ABOVE: Gulargambone’s Citizen of the Year, Kay O’Dell.

"It's a good town, with really good people," said Kay.

This became especially apparent to Kay after the passing of her husband three years ago.

"I'm so thankful for the support, there's a lot of it here," she said.

"I wouldn’t have received the same on the Central Coast, I'm lucky to live here."

On why she does what she does for the Gulargambone, her response was simply "the people."

"I like doing it, I get to meet people in the town."

"I also want to say thank you to everyone in Gulargambone as well."

Kay was awarded citizen of the year from a field of five nominees including Margaret Horne, Sheri Spora, James Best, and Daphne Earsman.

PHOTO: Norma Mackney, Marg Horn, Kay O’Dell, Gillian Haling.

Three other awards were given out down in Gular on 26 January.

Gulargambone Races were awarded Event of the Year, with the Eugowra Flood Appeal also nominated.

Community Group of the year was jointly awarded to the Gulargambone Bowling Club and the Upcycle Shop.

From a field of three nominees, Tallis McEwen was awarded the sportsperson of the year over Jack Bradley and the Gulargambone Cricket Club.