Mr Hammond was born in Sydney and lived there until 1974 before buying an old, one teacher school building at Hoskinstown near Queanbeyan. He and wife Elizabeth, who has been married to for 45 years, lived in that area until 1991 when they purchased a property at Stanbridge.

When asked what he enjoyed most about life in Leeton, Mr Hammond’s answer was simple.

“The people, the services and the rural environment with lots of space,” he said.

Mr Hammond only recently retired from his role at Yanco Agricultural High School where he worked for 19 years. 

His vast career in education has included stints at Ingleburn High School and Campbell High School and St Clare’s College in the ACT.

He left the education sector for some time to work for the Queanbeyan Chamber of Commerce and then AGL in Queanbeyan.

“That led to moving to the Riverina to supervise and plan the laying gas mains in the towns from Coolamon to Griffith and West Wyalong,” Mrs Hammond said.

“After nine years with AGL I took up the role of business/services manager at YAHS, which I held for 19 years.”

Mr Hammond and his wife, along with children Andrew and Samantha have enjoyed the life on offer in Leeton. 

For Mr Hammond that has meant involvement with the Murrumbidgee Carriage Driving Club, the SunRice Festival parade, Leeton Show, horse events and other official positions with the Australian Carriage Driving Society.

Mr Hammond said Leeton shire would have a strong future for many years to come.

“The resilience of the people and the diversity of industry and agriculture and the supporting industries that are required makes the economy strong,” he said.

“The education sector is strong as well with two large boarding schools and the local primary and high schools.

“Leeton has best practice agricultural enterprises and research facilities.

“It has a strong varied industrial base and community services that are the envy of many other towns.”

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