BUSTER Ryan couldn’t accept the citizen of the year award in person, but he sure kept the crowd entertained from hundreds of kilometres away.
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Mr Ryan accepted his honour on speaker phone in front of the crowd at Mountford Park while taking part in the Burrumbuttock Hay Run with his wife Sue.
The pair had committed to the run and, as the award is a surprise, were unable to attend.
He was thrilled to be announced as the citizen and told the community he was extremely thankful for the honour.
As other truckies on the run heard him speaking on their own two-ways the tooting of about 150 horns began to ring out over the speakers in Mountford Park.
Mr Ryan has worked tirelessly for many years to ensure the community, particularly Yanco, has everything it needs through the Yanco Lions Club and other organisations.
According to his citation, his efforts always go above and beyond and he’s the man to call on if ever there’s a community job that needs doing.
There were many special moments throughout the awards ceremony, with well-known resident Heather Whittaker receiving the lifelong citizen to the shire accolade.
Also walking away winners on the day was Leeton Community Transport as the organisation of the year, as well as the Leeton Community Christmas Lunch committee, who picked up the event of the year title.
Achiever of the year went to Bill Arnold, who was also unable to make the ceremony, while young cricketing gun Charlie Lamont was awarded junior achiever of the year.
Mr Arnold was nominated for his community work, especially as part of his many years of association with the Leeton Greens Rugby League Club.
Young Charlie picked up her mention thanks to a huge year on the cricket field, but was also recognised for her committed nature to her studies, family and friends.
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Lyn Middleton spoke on behalf of the Leeton Community Christmas Lunch committee, a small group which works hard every year to provide Christmas lunch to residents.
“The amount of volunteers who come on the day is just mind blowing, so thank you to the community,” she said.
“Our little group has about six people in the organisation, but the volunteers on the day are the people who really deserve this (award).”
Susie Rowe received the inaugural Leeton Shire Council community services award thanks to her never-ending work with refugees who are new to the shire, as well as the Leeton Multicultural Group.
