FORMER Crookwell and now Dubbo resident Eric Parker was one of 32 to attend the annual Order of Australia Awardees in the Western Area luncheon on Saturday.
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Mr Parker was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 2006 for his service to the community and show movements.
He is the life member of the Dubbo Shorthorn National Sale, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and the Western Districts Exhibit.
Shows have been a major part of Mr Parker’s life, he said.
“I grew up in shows,” he said.
“I learnt to walk at the Sydney Showgrounds.”
The Order of Australia medalist was the show secretary for a number of organisations, including the Dubbo Shorthorn National Sale and the Western Districts Exhibit.
He was featured on This is Your Life, but could not believe all the fuss.
“I was flabbergasted, but mostly amazed at the support from the local people and showmen,” he said.
“That’s just what I did- I liked getting people together and organised.”
Mr Parker was also a NSW hockey representative for seven years.
The Order of Australia Association sponsors an annual luncheon which brings together the recipients of Australian awards, such as the Order of Australia, the Australian Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Public Service, Police Service and Emergency Service Awards.
The recipients from Dubbo, Narromine, Trangie, Louth, Wellington, Mudgee, Eumungerie, Woy Woy and Sydney gathered at the RSL on Saturday.