Uncle Warren Named Citizen of the Year
BY DI SNEDDON
Uncle Warren Taggart delivered the Welcome to Country at Singleton’s Australia Day ceremony but it would not be his only time on the stage.
Uncle Warren was one of four people nominated for Citizen of the Year and when his name was announced as the recipient of the town’s top honour, he was lost for words and clearly overwhelmed by the honour bestowed upon him by the town.
Keeping Aboriginal culture, language and stories alive and relevant is paramount to every action Uncle Warren takes, a passion he said he could not do without the support of his wife, Libby, mum and daughters.
“I believe I am part of this country, we traditionally believe we all come from earth and we will return to earth and this country is in my heart and my blood and I love it,” Uncle Warren giving advice to the 100 people in the audience and those watching online at home the message that if you believe in yourself you can achieve anything.
Uncle Warren is a Wanaruah Aboriginal Land Council Board Member and Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame inductee and has worked tirelessly to both preserve and share the rich history and culture of the Wonnaruah people, including conducting regular tours of the culturally significant Baiame Cave.
Nominees
Gregory Bruce
Recognised for 28 years dedication to the Rural Fire Service and work as the Local Area Coordinator with Uniting with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Jean Hands
With 21 years as the first Aboriginal Liaison Officer for the Upper Hunter with Hunter New England Health, Jean is a well-known and respected Aboriginal elder who for the past six years has been the Chair of the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council (LALC). Aunty Jean also volunteers with Singleton Op shop and Singleton Neighbourhood Centre.
Nadene McBride
Recognised for her involvement with Singleton Roosters Australian Rules Football club for six years where she has been club president since 2017, is player, coach and manager. Nadene volunteered to be team manager for the Hunter Representative team in 2018 and 2019, and stepped up to be Coach for the Hunter Representative Womens Team and Assistant Coach for the AFLHCC Women’s Representative team 2021. Nadene also coached the womens premiership team in 2020.