Spinks’ spark for community spirit shines in Citizen of the Year awards
Blyth’s Barry Spinks has been announced as Wakefield Regional Council’s Citizen of the Year for 2023, while the popular Balaklava Community Chook Project has been awarded Community Event of the Year.
Retiring to Blyth in 2006, ex-carpenter Barry hasn’t been able to put the tools down since arriving – volunteering his skills and labour on countless community projects.
His expertise and knowledge have been used time and time again in and around Blyth from undertaking small repairs in the Town Hall to helping on the major construction of the second Cinema at Blyth Cinema – no job is too big or small for Barry.
Forever putting the community first, Barry’s motto is “It’s not what the town can do for you, it’s what you can do for the town”.
This motto shines through with Barry’s various roles volunteering and serving on committees including the Blyth Golf Club, Netball Club, Management Committee, Community Hall, Bowling Club, Cinema, Progress Association and Development Board.
Mayor Rodney Reid said Barry, 78, exemplified community spirit and Blyth – and the wider Wakefield region – should be extremely grateful for his devotion to the community.
“Barry should be immensely proud of the work and time he has given to the Blyth community– he has truly left his mark on the town, through the countless number of repairs, projects and community groups he has been a part of,” Mayor Rodney Reid said.
Ruling the roost for Event of the Year is the Balaklava Courthouse Gallery’s Community Chook Project – an event which raised funds for the gallery to install exhibition lighting.
The project highlighted the Wakefield region’s chicken industry and encouraged community members to decorate blank chook canvasses for display throughout local towns.
Blank concrete roosters, hens and chicks were developed by Wallaroo Mines artist Peter O’Callaghan for the Gallery to sell and community members could add their artistic flare to decorate a rooster, hen or chick. Schools, businesses, community groups and families all hopped on board to showcase their creativity.
A parade of poultry wowed crowds when the Gallery hosted its Spring Chicken Festival and the Gallery was able to showcase the community’s creations – with over 100 chooks from all walks of life on display.
“Bringing the community together to decorate the chooks was a great way to encourage creativity in Wakefield and put our chicken industry in the limelight,” Mayor Reid said.
Mayor Reid congratulated both award recipients and thanked all who took the time to nominate.
“It is impressive to once again see a great selection of local heroes and events recognised for helping make Wakefield a great place to belong.”
Awards will be presented at Australia Day events: dates and times of these ceremonies will be advertised in the new year.