3rd May 2018 – Order of Australia Award

Investiture – Government House, Sydney

An Order of Australia was presented to Mr Neville John Thompson for Services to Agriculture and to the community of Temora.

The following is his biography:

Born 1930 in Tullamore, educated at Tullamore Primary School, Yanco High School and moved to the Temora region in 1946.

Profession:         Farmer on family property “MARNOO” from 1946

AGRICULTURE

In 1970s & 80s, hosted field days in crop and pasture production plus business management procedures for Agriculture Colleges, TAFE and High Schools.

COMMITTEES

  • President of Temora Silo Committee (1970)
  • Inaugural President of Agriculture Bureau of Temora (1974)
  • President of Regional Council of Agricultural Bureau for Southern Region (1975)
  • Member of Executive Council of Agricultural Bureau of NSW
  • Member of Gumly Gumly Water Scheme Committee (1970s)
  • Member of Agricultural Advisory Committee, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
  • Member of Barley Industry Liaison Committee (1983-1984)
  • Member of Judging Panel “Farm Inventor of the Year” (1983)
  • Member of Judging Panel of National Landcare Awards (1992)
  • Member of Field Judging Panel of Crisco Canola Awards
  • Awarded the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries award for “Recognition of Outstanding Support and Co-operation to the NSW Department of Agriculture & Fisheries” (1990)

Travelled on farm study tours to, United Kingdom (1987), US & Canada (1989 & 2000), New Zealand (1998)

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY THROUGH ROTARY

1976                   Joined Rotary Club of Temora.

1979-80             President of Rotary Club of Temora.

Over a 40 year period, director of various avenues of service, particularly vocational services in the 2000s involving arranging mock interviews of Year 10 students, Pride of Workmanship awards for outstanding employees and business workplace meetings.

2005                   Awarded a Rotary “Paul Harris Fellowship” in recognition of dedicated service and commitment to the organisation and community over a long period of time.

2016                   Awarded a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship (Sapphire)

Neville was accommodated with assistance by the Whiddon Group through the thoughtful help of local manager Gail Lynch.