COLIN GADD’S first volunteering efforts started when he was young, coaching a football team in 1973.
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It was the first of many acts of community service spanning over 40 years, and have culminated in him being awarded a certificate by the state government.
“It’s nice to be recognised but I have only been doing the things I enjoy,” Mr Gadd said.
“I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of my wife Carolyn and my four sons.”
Now, Mr Gadd has been honoured for his service with a Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program certificate.
Mr Gadd joined the Lions Club in 1978 and has been associated with club at Binnaway, Guyra, Glen Innes, Ashford and Armidale Dumaresq.
He has served in every position on the board except treasurer, and is currently the regional chairman for region 4 of Lions District 201N1.
Mr Gadd was also awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2013.
The Armidale resident has an extensive list of credential when it comes to volunteering in the sporting community including holding positions on the Board of Northern Inland Football, New England Football Referees and Northern Inland Football Referees.
He has been a referee since 1973 and conducted courses in Glen Innes, Inverell and Armidale for about three decades.
“I really enjoy it. I’m still running referee courses because we need them all the time. I still have the skills and knowledge,” Mr Gadd said.
“It’s a good feeling seeing someone referee the premier first grade final that you’ve coached since he was 12-years-old.”
For three hours every Thursday, Mr Gadd presents his own show My Favourite Music on Armidale’s community radio station 2ARM.
In 2008, Mr Gadd was elected as a Armidale Dumaresq councillor where he served two terms until the council was dismissed as the result of amalgamation in 2016.
“You get a buzz from what you do, and I believe you get out what you put in,” Mr Gadd added.
“When people stop and tell me that they enjoy my radio program, it’s a really nice feeling.”