ANDREW Barr has announced Narelle Hargreaves is the 2016 Canberra Citizen of the Year.

“Narelle has shown a deep commitment to vulnerable children and young people in the ACT in her roles as an Official Visitor for Children and Young People in the ACT with Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, President of the ACT Children’s Week Committee and as Chair of the Non-Government Schools Education Council,” Andrew said.

“Narelle spent 14 years as a principal in ACT schools and a further 10 years as Director of Schools and International Education, which demonstrates her strong leadership and passion for young people in the ACT.

“I congratulate Narelle on her award and thank her for her long history of working to improve the lives of Canberra’s children and young people.

“2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the Canberra Citizen of the Year Award since it was started by the Canberra Times in 1977.

“I would also like to acknowledge the 11 groups and 117 individuals that received a Chief Minister’s Canberra Gold Award today.

“The individuals and groups recognised today have lived in the ACT or been established here for fifty years or more and have all made a significant contribution to the development of our community.

“This year groups awarded include the Canberra Croquet Club, ANU Film Group, Greenhills Centre and the Master Builders Association of the ACT.

“Over the 12 years of the Canberra Gold Award more than 4000 individuals and groups have been recognised for their commitment to the ACT.”