The nomination for Bill recounted his massive contribution to the town, including conducting raffles to raise money for Legacy, organising Anzac Day memorial breakfasts, marches and memorial services, and attending school awards nights and presentation of award prizes. Bill also established a sister city relationship with the Turkish town of Eceabat, as well as travelling there to attend a memorial service at Lone Pine on behalf of the citizens of Oberon.

But this is only the beginning. Bill gives a great deal of his time assisting war widows, taking them on special outings, with up to 15-20 widows at one time, as well as organising Christmas hampers and financial assistance for them if needed.

He also organises working bees for the war widows’ homes and units if needed.

In the nomination, Bill was described as having contributed an outstanding amount of his time to improving the lives of an enormous number of Oberon citizens.

Bill said he was very surprised and humbled by his nomination in the awards, and even more after winning the award.

He said the war widows he cares for are “terrific women”.

“Looking after the girls isn’t a job – it’s a pleasure,” he said.

“You are never short of a cup of tea.”

Bill is among a group of Oberon locals who are the worthy winners of this year’s awards. They are:

n Young Citizen of the Year – Laura Hill

n Sportsperson of the Year – David Sellers

n Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Conner Sherlock

n Sports Team of the Year – 14B ‘Snow Devils’ netball team

n Community Event of the Year – O’Connell Picnic Day and Rugby League 1959 Reunion, Presentation Night and Book Launch.

n Local Legend of the Year – Alf and Joan Ball and Zica Tosic.

The winners will all attend a cocktail function at the RSL on the evening before Australia Day to meet the 2010 Ambassador. They will then be presented with their awards on Australia Day during our Australia Day celebrations.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of Australia Day awards.