Two local professionals who have a long association with the Deni Ute Muster were honoured this year for their commitment to the long-standing event.
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Simon Thomas from Riverina Allweld and Jeremy Murray from Murray Constructions were both presented with certificates of recognition for “a true community champion of the Deni Ute Muster”.
Known colloquially as the Muster Champion awards, Deni Play on the Plains Festival Inc chairman Russell Tait said both had demonstrated they suit the title many times over.
He presented the awards as part of his chairman’s reception on day one of the Ute Muster, Friday last week.
Mr Tait said Mr Thomas’ association with the festival started before he was in business, as one of the original patrons of the event.
Influenced by his mother Denise Thomas, Mr Thomas has always been a volunteer at the event too.
“Simon’s mother was one of the original team. She was a former chair of the Ute Muster and an absolutely integral part of the early days,” Mr Tait said.
“This is Denise’s little boy and he has also been an integral part of the Ute Muster over the years, especially when we need something done.
“He’s a bit of an engineer/fabricator. He has a very successful business in Deniliquin and he finds time to be of assistance on a community basis for our organisation.
“He’s been doing that for a number of years but has never been officially recognised.
“Thank you Simon, and also to your family and beautiful wife Abbie; a great friend of the Ute Muster.”
Initially bewildered at being called up to the podium during the awards section of the reception, Mr Thomas was visibly proud and honoured by the recognition.
“Thanks, Russell; how do I ever get caught for words? What an amazing thing. I can’t believe it,” he said.
“We started (our family involvement with the Muster) when the Ute Muster started.
“I can remember when it was held the other side of the Conargo Rd and we thought, after two years when the committee decided to come to this side, ‘wow this is way too big, we need this to be tight and full of atmosphere’.
“To drive past the site over the road now, you just can’t believe that’s where it started.
“Vicky you have done a great job, Russ, the whole committee.
Over the years we have been coming here and see so many people doing the jobs they do. We’ve done nothing in comparison to what has been built here.
“I just love it so much that I’m shaking.”
Mr Thomas said while it is the local community and sponsors that drive the event, he said the support of outside sponsors has been invaluable to its growth and success.
“I’ve got to thank the sponsors, especially all the sponsors that get on board not from Deni.
“It means so much to all us locals to have you guys come to our town and throw some dough at us. Look at what can be achieved.
“And Kate (Pitt), you are such a beautiful lady. People who don’t know Kate, she has put in a lot out here over the years.
“Ab, you’re an amazing woman to put up with me. And I must admit my mother and father-in-law, Rob and Bern Wilson from Decentralised Demountables, they have been so good to us and very good to the Muster over the years.
“I thank all of them, but the last person I really want to thank is mum ... and my dad (John).”
Mr Murray’s association with the Deni Ute Muster also started with his family before him, with Mr Tait paying tribute to the whole Murray family.
“Jeremy is third generation Murray Constructions - an amazing business in Deni that has been building bridges all over New South Wales and Northern Victoria for more than 60 years.
“The family business is an important part of the fabric of our society, and very good community supporters - Jeremy, his crew and his family.
“If we needed a concrete slab or some construction done, they were more than happy to come and do it.
“They are the best possible supporters of the Ute Muster and it was Jeremy’s time (to be recognised).”
Mr Murray said sponsoring local events and people was an easy decision to make.
“As a local business we know how important it is to invest in the town and community,” he said.
“We do what we can to help events like this.
“It is a fantastic effort where the muster is today from where it evolved from, and it’s a credit to everyone that got it to where it is today.
“I look forward to the years ahead and supporting it further.”