MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has congratulated the 133 community volunteers from the region who have been recognised for their roles in managing local Crown Reserves.
“The majority of our local reserves, which include public halls, parks, racecourses and sportsgrounds, are all managed by volunteers,” Mr Marshall said.
“The community relies on them to keep our public assets up and running and well maintained and on behalf of the community I offer them a huge thank you.
“In small communities, these reserves are usually the centre of all community activities and functions and fortunately in the Northern Tablelands, the trustees take their role very seriously and work well together to maintain and upgrade their assets.
“These awards are for between 10 and 40 years of service, a remarkable effort and I would like to congratulate all 133 volunteers for their many years of service. It’s certainly a huge commitment on their behalf and their work as trustees is high valued by their communities and the NSW Government.
The Warialda Showground Trust has three members – David Conway, David Moor and John Coulton – who have all served on the board for 20 years.
“The Nullamanna Public Hall and Recreation Reserve has an equally impressive record with Leonie Mather and Frederick Crowther both serving 21 years on the board,” Mr Marshall said.
“A similar situation for the Guyra War Memorial Hall Trust with James Souter and Susan Rice both with 21 years under their belts. And thank you to Glen Elgin’s David Wirth and Peter Leamon, both serving 21 years, ably assisted for 16 years by Norma Leamon.
“Moree residents Jacqueline McNamara and Lorraine Bartel have spent 20 years on the Moree Homes for the Aged Reserve Trust. Moree Racecourse trustee Tom Blackburn has also notched up 20 years.”
Mr Marshall said Upper Horton and Ben Lomond were perfect examples of small villages that rely very much on their public halls and sportsgrounds for their community functions.
“I’d like to commend Horton Sports Ground trustees Stewart Steiger, Barry Madden Philip Steiger and Wilfred Kelly on their long years of service and Ben Lomond trustees Donald Stride, Dorothy Every, Margaret Walker and Philip Williams on their 17 years of service,” he said.
“Inverell Pioneer Village has some equally dedicated trustee members with David Sommerlad, Leslie Parsons, Leslie Moulds and Terence Taylor all serving 17 years.
“The Armidale Archery Reserve has been in good hands with long serving trustees Dennis and Margaret Carson (20 years). They’ve had many years of help from Daniel Alter (10 years), Ian Inman (10 years) and Stephen Austin (14 year.)
“Myall Creek Hall trustees deserve mentioning with Diane Read, Graeme Newnham, Ian Davidson and Warren Rogers all serving 17 years.
“I would like to go on and name all 133 volunteers as they all deserve recognition for their efforts and huge commitment to their communities. Their efforts are very much appreciated.”
Mr Marshall said each trustee would receiving a certificate and letter of congratulations from the Minister for Lands and Water Niall Blair.
“Reserve trust members are also eligible for the annual Crown Reserve Trust Award which recognises the important work trust members do for the community,” he said.
“This award is part of the annual Regional Achievement and Community Awards and recognises the work done by the volunteers, local communities and councils who manage Crown reserves.
“I encourage people in our region considering getting involved with their local trust to take the next step and find out more to make a difference in their community.”
Further information is available at www.crownland.nsw.gov.au