IT WOULD be a rare feat to come across someone in Leeton that didn’t know, or was related to, Joe Nardi.
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Mr Nardi is one of the friendly faces residents would recognise whether it be through his work with Westpac Bank, his family or his social circle.
He’s happy-go-lucky and speaks highly of the town he was born and bred in.
Mr Nardi’s education started at St Joseph’s Primary School before continuing on at St Francis College and Leeton High School for years 11 and 12.
His father urged him to attend university, but it wasn’t something he was interested in.
“He wanted me to get off the farm, but at that stage I wasn’t too sure what I really wanted to do,” Mr Nardi said.
What followed was a series of different jobs over the years that has eventually led him to the banking world for the last 10 years.
Having also worked at the Leeton Soldiers Club, Mr Nardi said he couldn’t imagine being in a job that didn’t allow him direct contact with the community.
He said the people were what made Leeton special.
“It’s a lot of things … I’m a very social person,” Mr Nardi said.
“You make great friends here and you’ve got your family right there as well.
“I like get togethers. It’s not uncommon for myself, friends or family to have a last minute barbecue and have 40 to 50 people turn up.
“If you want to go away, I think Leeton is pretty well situated to do that.
“You’re a plane away from Sydney and a drive away from Melbourne.
“I think we’re pretty lucky to live somewhere like Leeton.”
Mr Nardi is married and enjoys spending time with his wife Maria, daughter Montana, 6, and Jamie, 3.
His interests include all things motor vehicles and he can often be seen cruising on his Harley Davidson.
“I love hanging out with my kids as well,” he said.
“A lot of the time people will say there’s nothing to do here, but I always tell them it’s what you make of it.
“If you look hard enough there’s always something going on or something to do.
“That’s why I like Leeton.”
The laid back lifestyle also appeals to Mr Nardi.
“It’s so relaxing … not at all like life in the city,” he said.