Volunteers representing six separate Crown Land boards have been honoured for their long-standing service to their local communities.
Sixteen people were awarded Crown Lands Service Recognition Awards for long-term service for managing Crown reserves at two ceremonies in Dunedoo and Gilgandra.
All award recipients have been Crown Land managers for ten years or more, with two individuals dedicating more than 50 years towards managing public land: Ken Milling has been a Crown land manager of the Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation reserve since 1969, while Darryl Cluff has been in his position on the volunteer board of Birriwa Recreation reserve since 1971.
There are over 2,500 volunteers involved in Crown reserve management across the state, freely giving their time, skills and energy for the good of their local communities. Their efforts ensure public assets are taken care of and can be equitably accessed by everyone.
Over coming months, many more long-term Crown land volunteers will receive award certificates for their service, including another 30 individuals who have volunteered their services to the management of Crown land for over 30, 40 and some who have served on a board for over 50 years.
There are over 700 Crown reserves managed by volunteers who play an important role in the management of these valuable community assets for the people of NSW. Find out more about volunteering to be a Crown land manager for your community here.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Crown land reserves are reliant on volunteers who dedicate their time and energy towards ensuring public land is managed effectively and for the benefit of all. I commend all the volunteers in the state's Central West for their steadfast commitment to their communities.
"Crown reserves play an important role protecting the environment and supporting communities with everything from green open space, parks and walking tracks to showgrounds, sporting ovals and community halls."
Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve board member John Smith said:
"I love volunteering. It makes me feel proud that I've helped maintain this beautiful reserve and it's a jolly good thing to give back to your community.
"The racecourse is important to people in Gilgandra. It's a beautiful spot where we hold morning tea, weddings and funerals. I am glad that I can help take care of the racecourse so the next generation can enjoy it for years to come."
Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation Reserve board member Ken Milling said:
"Volunteering is a natural thing for me, I love getting involved in my community and I am very proud to look after our local racecourse in Dunedoo.
"Horse racing and polocrosse are very popular sports in our community. We've held many equestrian events at the racecourse over the years, which helps bring our community together."
Birriwa Recreation Reserve manager Darryl Cuff said:
"I've been a volunteer in Dunedoo since the early 70s and I've loved every minute of it. I love giving back to the community and catching up with other locals.
"I'm proud of the work we've done at Birriwa Recreation Reserve, including building boundary fencing, planting more trees and constructing a shed that's used by the Rural Fire Service to house their fire truck."
Crown Land managers who received Crown Lands Service Recognition Award certificates in the state's Central West region
Birriwa Recreation Reserve:
- Darryl Cluff - Over 50 Years of service
- Lloyd Graham - Over 40 years of service
- Ronald Jackson - Over 30 years of service
- Maurice Cluff - Over 10 years of service
Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve:
- John Smith - Over 40 years of service
- Barry Nangle - Over 40 years of service
- Andrew Schier - Over 20 years of service
- Stuart Border - Over 20 years of service
- Trevor Johnson - Over 20 years of service
Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation Reserve:
- Ken Milling - Over 50 years of volunteer service
Dunedoo Showground Reserve:
- Ronald Bowman - Over 30 years of volunteer service
- Stirling Fergusson, Mark Dent and William Gaden - Over 20 years of volunteer service
Elong Elong Public Hall Reserve:
- Garry Craft - Over 30 years of volunteer service
- Jenny Tunks - Over 20 years of volunteer service
- Elinor (Rae) Craft - Over 10 years of service
Uarbry Recreation Reserve:
- Warren Piper - Over 10 years of volunteer service.
