Murrurundi identity Brian Hunt awarded 2018 Australia Day Order of Australia Medal (OAM)

Whether it’s speaking as a public announcer at the local rodeo or fighting for an adequate solution to the area’s current wild dog problem, he’s always advocated for a fair go.

In many ways, the 83-year-old is part of the backbone of the community.

Now, he has received one of the nation’s highest honours – a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

The appointment in the Order of Australia recognises Mr Hunt’s significant service to the community of Murrurundi – and was announced at the town’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Friday.

However, as a modest man, he is quick to underplay the noteworthy contribution he has made to his town, and its people.

He is also prompt to attribute his achievements to his wife Annette who, fittingly, he celebrated 58 years of marriage with on Wednesday.

Annette has been instrumental in the running of “Coogah West” - aboriginal for “flat place above” – a 2200-acre sheep and cattle property 17 kilometres outside of Murrurundi. 

“In fact if anyone deserves this medal, she does,” Mr Hunt said.

“I do feel very honoured and taken aback, I honestly do.

“And, I want to thank the people behind it – in fact, I’ve got to double check who was really behind the scenes because I’m not quite sure yet.”

A true country man, born in Murrurundi and growing up attending Murrurundi High School, his strong community roots stemmed from years of playing local rugby league.

But, it wasn’t long until he was making his name known in other facets of the town – becoming a first class shearing contractor and wool classer, a skill he picked up from his father.

“My father also passed on his passion for sheep dog trialling, winning the first trial in Murrurundi in 1912 with a dog called ‘Lad’,” Mr Hunt said.

So, it was no surprise that Mr Hunt held the title of Murrurundi Sheep Dog Trials president for four decades, was a committee member for nearly 60 years, and still broadcasts at their events.

Clocking up decades of service over a long list of committees, he has juggled the commitment of president of the Murrurundi Polocrosse Club, Murrurundi Pony Club and the Murrurundi Bushman’s Carnival.

And, perhaps his most passionate commitment, 14 years of service as a dedicated committee member of the popular King of the Ranges Stockman’s Challenge.

“I always hear people say Scone has the Horse Festival, Merriwa has the Festival of the Fleeces and Aberdeen has the Highland Games,” he said.

“And, for Murrurundi, it’s the Stockman’s challenge.

“If we lose that – what will we have?”

For Mr Hunt, it’s about more than giving back to the community; it’s about keeping it going for generations to come. 

This is evident in his service to local government as a councillor for Murrurundi Shire Council from 1983 to 1991.

Not one to shy away from having his voice heard, both as an announcer in the eventing ring and outside, he has also lobbied for funding for farmers as wild dogs wreak havoc and continue to have a devastating effect in the region.

He has served as a committee member of the Murrurundi Wild Dog Association for 11 years and, in that time, oversaw many changes.

The recipient of many awards, including the Murrurundi Australia Day Award in 2000, Centenary Medal in 2003, Scone Horse Festival VIP in 2009 and Murrurundi Citizen of the Year in 2014, his service has not gone unrecognised.

But, he says this most recent accolade will be his proudest yet. 

“In 2018, my ancestors celebrate 150 years since they first settled in Murrurundi – so for me it couldn’t have come at a more fitting time.”