Leon Pettifer, Ian Purdey and Stuart Gemmill received certificates from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) acknowledging their dedication as part of the Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve volunteer committee of management.
Mr Pettifer has been a member of the volunteer committee since day one, and has racked up 51 years of service.
"He has helped the complex grow from a claypan to having wonderful facilities that are used and enjoyed by many local groups and members of the community," DELWP land and built environment program officer Julie Wynd said.
“Mr Pettifer has been a prominent member of the Parkland Golf Club, which is now home to the Victorian Par 3 Golf Titles, which shows what a great facility has been developed over the years."
The man many know as 'Purds' has been a member of the volunteer committee of management for 42 years, holding the position of treasurer for 25 years and secretary for nine years.“
Along with fellow volunteer Glen Smith, Mr Purdy was instrumental in securing a grant to build a carpark at the complex in 2012, which has made a huge difference to users of the facility," Ms Wynd said.
“Other members of the committee say he is key to ensuring good communication between the site’s user groups, DELWP and the Shire of Campaspe."
And an impressive 27 years of service earned Mr Gemmill his certificate; he was recognised in particular for his valuable knowledge of water issues. “He has been instrumental in consolidating the site’s water rights, ensuring future water supply for the golf and trotting clubs," Ms Wynd said.
“On behalf of DELWP I would like to thank Mr Pettifer, Mr Purdey and Mr Gemmill for the significant effort and time they’ve devoted to carrying out their duties and providing significant social and economic benefit to the Kyabram community and the region.”
The reserve includes an 18-hole golf course, harness racetrack, small bore rifle club and other public facilities.The Kyabram committee is one of 220 volunteer committees of management in the Loddon Mallee Region that take an active role in managing, maintaining and improving public assets in their local community.