Community champions: Crown land managers receive awards for over 40 years of volunteer service

Two Crown land managers from the Riverina region have received Service Recognition Awards from the NSW Government for over 40 years of volunteering to manage land for the benefit of their local communities.

Malcolm Hillam and John Pratt have spent 48 and 40 years respectively volunteering on the board of the historic Illabo Showground, located in the quaint township of Illabo.

The two men have collectively invested 88 years to ensure local infrastructure on Crown land is maintained, enhanced and cared for so it can be used by their communities.

Mr Hillam, who recently turned 79, is a lifelong resident of Illabo, which is located north-east of Junee. He was only 21 when he was first appointed to the volunteer board at Illabo Showground. Earlier this year Mr Hillam was re-appointed for another five-year term, extending his tenure as a Crown land manager to September 2029.

Likewise, John Pratt is a local to Illabo. He was appointed to the Illabo Showground board in 1984 and has also been re-appointed to the board for another five years.

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 community.

There are more than 34,000 Crown reserves used by the community across NSW including showgrounds, parks, sporting venues, caravan parks, community halls and more.

Showgrounds support communities with a range of local activities including agricultural shows, equestrian events, community markets, festivals, caravanning and camping, other sport and recreation, and even as evacuation centres during natural disasters like bushfires and floods.

Illabo Showground Manager Malcolm Hillam said:

“I’m very proud to volunteer on behalf of my community. We are a very tight-knit community here in Illabo, and it feels very rewarding to help manage the showground.

“I’ve got a few years in me left, and I am happy to keep going for as long as I can.” 

Illabo Showground Manager John Pratt said:

"I'm pretty involved in local events, and I enjoy taking care of the showground along with the other managers, making sure it's in good nick so everyone can use it.

“The showground is a place where our district comes together - and it's been a pleasure to manage this sight for such a long time."

Crown Lands Director of Regional Operations West Sharon Hawke said:

“Malcolm and John have shown an indomitable spirit and a steadfast commitment to help their local communities.

“They have made tangible improvements to showground infrastructure over the years to benefit their fellow residents and also visitors travelling through the region. Management of public land relies on community-minded people like these gentlemen, and we thank them for their service.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities, but we cannot do that without the invaluable help of volunteers across the state who put their time and effort into managing public infrastructure on Crown land reserves.

“Between them, these two gentlemen have generously contributed more than 88 years to volunteer service. That’s an incredible effort, and I applaud them all for their dedication and community spirit.”