Award recognises volunteer work

Boggabri Showground Trust president Barry Thomson was presented as a finalist in the prestigious Department of Planning, Industry and Environment Individual Excellence in Crown Land Management Awards at the 2019 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards Gala Presentation Dinner held at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains on Friday.

Hundreds of nominations were received from across regional NSW and the ACT for the annual awards.

More than 250 guests gathered from across NSW and the ACT, including official guest Richard Bush, Crown Lands Commissioner, representing Minister for Water, Property and Housing and patron of the Awards, Melinda Pavey to celebrate regional achievers.

“Mr Thomson was presented with the finalist’s award for his work in ensuring the community benefits from use of the showgrounds,” his citation said.

“Barry has been president on and off since 1988 of the Boggabri Showground and Public Recreation Land Manager, which is run by seven volunteers.

“He spends each weekend emptying rubbish at the local tip, repairing broken pipes and dripping taps and shower and mowing the area.

“He even goes out at all hours of the night if needed.

“Barry makes sure organisations and clubs using the grounds have safe areas and have correct insurance cover for events. Barry is also the president of the Boggabri Pony Club, which hires the Showground monthly.”

The NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards began in 2002, with the aim of encouraging and recognising the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional NSW and the ACT.