One of only two nominations forwarded by Cabonne Shire Council to the Premier’s office, Mr Walker received his award at a public meeting held in Canowindra on Tuesday, November 13. Cabonne Mayor John Farr presented Mr Walker with his Active Citizenship award with personal congratulations from NSW Premier, Bob Carr, whom Kevin met when Mr Carr laid a foundation stone at the Age of Fishes Museum.

With Cabonne receiving over 20 nominations, from over 7,000 active volunteers and 600 community groups across the shire, “just to be nominated was an honour in itself,” explained Cabonne General manager Graham Fleming.

And in his usual quiet, unassuming style, Mr Walker accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers in the Canowindra community.

Mr Walker was nominated by Cabonne councillor and fellow community member Jenny Weaver, “for his involvement in everything” and for his long-term commitment to the town.

“Kevin has been with Marti’s since its beginnings - eight years as a Board member - and has also been involved from the first with the Age of Fishes museum,” Ms Weaver explained.

She added that he was also an instigator of Canowindra’s Century Three Committee, a Chairman of Cabonne Country Day, and a Tidy Towns committee member during the period when it won two awards in the state-wide competition.

He has also been a past President of Canowindra Apex Club, a member of Canowindra Rotary Club, has received recognition from the Salvation Army for his community involvement, and last but not least, a past Canowindra Citizen of the Year.

“More than anything else, the award is also recognition of Kevin’s ability to enthuse and encourage people to be involved and work alongside him on the various committees and projects he is involved with.”

The award presentation took Kevin by surprise, with the organisers planning for weeks to ensure that Kevin was in attendance at the meeting, but without knowledge of the event or his award.