General News
12 July, 2024
Crown Lands minister visits
Five long-serving representatives of Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve have been honoured among sixteen volunteers representing six separate crown land boards.
They have been honoured for their longstanding service to their local communities. Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve’s John Smith and the late Barry Nangle have been acknowledged for more than 40 years of service. Also receiving recognition for service to Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve were Andrew Schier, Stuart Border, and Trevor Johnson, all three giving more than 20 years of service.
Sixteen (16) people were awarded Crown Lands Service Recognition Awards for long-term service for managing Crown reserves at two ceremonies in Dunedoo and Gilgandra recently. 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. Darryl Cluff has been in his position on the volunteer board of Birriwa Recreation reserve since 1971.
John Smith said in an NSW government press release that he loves volunteering and helping the Gilgandra community. “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,” he said. “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.”
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 the coming months, many more long-term Crown land volunteers will receive award certificates for their service. Included will be 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. “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,” minister for lands and property Steve Kamper said. “I commend all the volunteers in the state’s Central West for their steadfast commitment to their communities.”
“[It is] a real privilege to travel across the state to celebrate all our volunteers.” “You don’t really understand how Crown assets are being managed until visiting them yourself… it is imperative that I get out and understand how our Crown lands are functioning.”
The list of volunteers recognised at recent ceremonies in Dunedoo and Gilgandra include:
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
