Barbara Linley has always been passionate about animals.

After relocating to the Clarence Valley five years ago and purchasing land at Tullymorgan and Taloumbi, Ms Linley revealed she was shocked and saddened by the high volume of dead wildlife on local roads, in particular Brooms Head Road.

She was also concerned about the dwindling numbers of coastal emus, with less than 50 of the critically endangered species thought to roam local bushland.

Determined to help make a difference, she became involved with the Lions Club of Clarence – Environmental (LCC-E) and as the group’s emu coordinator, was proactive in their campaign to reduce the speed limit along a 7.2km section of Brooms Head Road from 100km/h to 80km/h to improve safety for emus and motorists.

Last week, Ms Linley was recognised for her outstanding community contributions and dedication to the coastal emus when she was announced as the 2022 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year. 

Describing herself as shocked and humbled to receive the award, Ms Linley said she was proud of the LCC-E’s achievements and seeing people working together to advocate for positive change.

Ms Linley is continuing to highlight the importance of our unique local biodiversity, increase awareness of endangered species in the Clarence Valley and work towards preventing the decline of the coastal emu population.