The volunteers behind one of the nation’s most unique pioneering festivals, The Good Old Days, at Barellan, has been named as the Riverina region Volunteer Team of the Year.
The award was announced at the 2024 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards hosted by The Centre of Volunteering at the Wagga Wagga RSL Club on August 15.
The Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee will represent the Riverina in Sydney in December at the state Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
The Centre for Volunteering has a mission to promote and support volunteering across NSW.
Ever year in October, the 16 members of the Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee bring the Good Old Days Festival to Barellan.
The small town of 600 people swells to over 10,000 for the annual celebration of Australia’s pioneer heritage. The event boosts local tourism in the Narrandera Shire and has led to improved local amenities for the town.
Committee secretary Fiona Kibble said the Good Old Days Festival draws people from every state and territory, along with Canada and New Zealand, and has grown into one of the biggest tourism events on the calendar in the region.
“The not-for-profit event is run by volunteers and raises funds which are reinvested back into our community through new infrastructure,” Ms Kibble said.
“Over the years, the festival has contributed more than $60,000 to local community organisations and now generates an estimated $1.8 million for the regional economy.
“In 2023 the committee donated $10,000 to Barellan CWA, Barellan Tennis Club, Barellan Two Blues Football and Netball Club, Barellan Rural Fire Service and Binya Hall War Memorial Sub Committee. The committee intends to make another $10,000 donation to community groups in 2024.”
The Australian Bullock Drivers League congratulated the committee on the award, saying it was well deserved for putting on the biggest diversity of draught animal teams in the world.
“It is such a special pleasure to be able to be part of this unique show. The tireless volunteer work behind the scenes and during the show does not go unnoticed.”
Operating Heritage Australia said the Barellan team stages an amazing event, and their efforts benefit not only the local community but reach far and wide.
The Centre for Volunteering chief executive officer Gemma Rygate said the awards recognised the exceptional effort of volunteers across the Riverina.
“It is important for volunteers across the Riverina to know their commitment is recognised and valued,” she said.
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Caption: Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee members Fiona Kibble and Vicki Harris receive the award for the Volunteer Team of the Year – Riverina region from Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout and Lockhart Shire Mayor Cr Greg Verdon. Image The Centre for Volunteering
NFP: For media comment contact Fiona Kibble on 0409
