Presented for the first time at the TAS Cadet Unit's Dining In Night on Friday, September 13 the Mathew Dunbar Memorial Award was the initiative of a benefactor to the school who wishes to remain anonymous.

"The benefactor was keen to champion the Australian Army Cadet values of courage, initiative, respect and teamwork that guide The Armidale School's Cadet Unit and that Mathew Dunbar lived by," said TAS spokesperson Timothy Hughes.

Mr Dunbar was an active member of the unit during his time at TAS where he was a student from 1987-1992.

Master craftsman Alan Golding carved the honour board, made from Eucalyptus grandis (rose gum) that is endemic to the eastern Walcha district and of his own design inspired by the badge of Australian Army Cadets.

The award was presented to inaugural recipient, Year 11 student CUO Marcus Braham of Jeogla Station, Armidale, by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women and former Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne who had reviewed the Unit's Passing Out Parade at TAS earlier in the day.

Mr Dunbar was described by those who knew him as a much-loved farmer 'who would give you the shirt off his own back' .

The shock discovery of his body rocked the Walcha community, where he had lived for much of his life.

He was found dead at his farm 'Pandora' off the Thunderbolts Way, just out of Walcha, in the early hours of August 2, 2017.

Natasha Beth Darcy will stand trial in the NSW Supreme Court, accused of killing Mr Dunbar in an elaborate plan to inherit his property.