Recognising our Barwon-ites

Community Recognition Statements are delivered on every sitting day in Parliament. It's an opportunity to recognise all those organisations and individuals who make our towns wonderful places to live. 

In June I have been able to recognise the following locals. 

MRS JENNY CAMPBELL

After 18 years of managing the Narrabri Shire library branches, Jenny Campbell is stepping back to allow for a new generation to step in and take the lead on the provision of library services in Narrabri Shire. Jenny is a familiar face among many in the Narrabri Shire and her experience in the library space is enormous. She has been involved in the evolution of the library provision and her knowledge is extremely valued. Jenny will now take on the role of mentor to ensure the library services will be well maintained going forward. I thank Jenny for her service to the Narrabri Shire.

VALE GRETA RICHARDSON OF WEE WAA

Mrs Richardson was the beloved wife of Clive and together they were the heart and soul of the Wee Waa Pony Club. She was a life member who never stopped giving her time and zest to pony club and along with Clive, volunteered at Wee Waa's annual pony camp for 47 consecutive years. Greta was involved in every job possible spending 15 years as dorm matron before moving on to become a kitchen hostess. The Richardson family's dedication to Pony Club and Riding for Disabled is unique, but more so the kindness that was extended to all who crossed their paths and Greta will be missed by many.

MS BEC CRAWFORD

I recognise tonight the lady behind the Drought Drops campaign. Until now the identity of this generous individual has been shrouded in secrecy so I now unveil Ms Bec Crawford of Walgett as the "drought dropper". Over the course of summer Bec, a school teacher in Walgett, dedicated her break to brightening the days of coffee‑drinking farmers across Australia. During the Drought Drops campaign Bec made 1,200 pairs of vibrant blue earrings resembling a raindrop. She then donated the earrings to 50 coffee shops across the country to sell and, in turn, helped shout a farmer a coffee. Following the success of the campaign an Etsy store opened to keep up with the demand for the drought drops earrings. Proceeds from the store went towards supplies for making more earrings and shouting coffees for those suffering through the drought. Along with everyone who has supported the drought drops campaign, Bec has helped ease the daily burden and mental strain on farmers caused by the ongoing drought across the country. I congratulate Bec. She is a true legend.

VALE, MAX HUMPHRIES

The loss of a great man—Max Humphries. In 1963 Max married the love of his life, Noelene, and the couple moved to Cobar from Bourke. Max had a love for photography and soon became the go‑to guy for all special occasions. Many happy couples in Cobar had their wedding photos taken by Max in the 1960s and 1970s. Max was a founding member of the Cobar Rotary Club in 1966 and was always a familiar sight at the Rotary BBQs. Max's father served in the First World War in Gallipoli and this fuelled Max's passion in supporting the Cobar Cadets through Rotary. Max was a member of the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club for 45 years and served on the board for 33 years, 28 of those years were as Club President. In 2017 Max had a Bar in the Main Function Room named after him and his service to the Club. Max was heavily involved in the Brennan Centre Aged Care complex, another committee where he was honoured with a Life Membership, often doing most of the maintenance work himself to save costs. Max will always be a Cobar Legend.

STEVE RADFORD

I congratulate Broken Hill businessman, Steve Radford, who has raised over $50,000 for local charity Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast. Inspired by the work Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast does in the community, Steve wanted to make a difference and help raise awareness of men's mental health issues. Steve initiated the Challenge the Stigma of Men's Mental Health campaign with the hope of raising $5,000 and then matching the donation with $5,000 of his own. In addition to the fundraising, community members could nominate a challenge for Steve to complete. In the spirit of the community Steve has chosen to sing Jimmy Barnes Working Class Man from the balcony of the Broken Hill Pub. I congratulate Steve and Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast on their commitment to raising awareness of men's mental health in the Far West of New South Wales. All funds raised will support Lifeline's programs and services in the region.

RONAN REVELL

I recognise Ronan Revell of Wee Waa. On Saturday 16 May, a bright shiny red cotton picker trundled its way down to a cotton field on the outskirts of Wee Waa. The picker was produced in 1948 and is a M‑12‑H model, International Harvester single row cotton picker that Ronan Revell saved from the trash heap and has transformed into an historical treasure that will now call the Wee Waa Museum home. The picker's revival has been a labour of love from Ronan, who has led the restoration project that also involved help from his wife, Wendy, and a dedicated army of volunteers. Thankfully, Wendy shares her husband's passion for preservation because the picker project has often extended beyond their big shed workshop onto the couple's driveway. Its signature international red paint colour has also left its mark on many items of clothing in the Revell household. I commend Ronan on his commitment to this restoration project and the boost in morale it has given the Wee Waa community.