MAXINE O’Callaghan has lived in Leeton almost her entire life.
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Born and bred in Leeton, she left town from 1985 to 1987 to manage a motel in Griffith for her husband Greg O’Callaghan’s uncle.
The O’Callaghans have two children – Adam and Elise – as well as three grandchildren.
Mrs O’Callaghan recalled a carefree childhood while growing up in Leeton.
“The safety of living in a small community with the wide open spaces, living on a small hobby farm and being able to play whatever sport I liked (was great),” she said.
Sport has always been a bit part of life for Mrs O’Callaghan and her family whether it’s basketball, Aussie Rules or anything in between. “I found sport was a great way of meeting and making new friendships,” she said.
“Now I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to follow and support our grandchildren in their endeavours through some of the sport I loved, as well as still watching the Leeton-Whitton Crows go around.”
Mrs O’Callaghan has been involved in various sporting committees and roles within those groups over the years. She also helped with the Leeton Junior Redlegs Aussie Rules amalgamation to the Leeton-Whitton Crows in 1995.
“I was a ballet mum for a short stint until both children found their love for basketball,” Mrs O’Callaghan said. “I held many various positions with Leeton basketball as a player, referee, coach, manager, match secretary, secretary, representative co-ordinator and a fundraiser.”
Mrs O’Callaghan has enjoyed a fruitful career. She, along with her husband, started their business Hi-Marq in 1998 while she was working at Ricegrowers. She currently works with Hi-Marq.
It was in 1976 that she met Mr O’Callaghan while employed at Leeton Steel Retail. She said living in Leeton was something special.
“Leeton is a fabulous town for raising well rounded and healthy children ... our schools are some of the best in the state,” Mrs O’Callaghan said.