FORMER Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon has been recognised for his service to local government at the LGNSW annual conference, held in Sydney last week.

Mr Harmon received the Emeritus Award as well as an award for more than 20 years’ service to Inverell Shire Council – 12 of those as mayor.

The Emeritus Award recognises exemplary and outstanding service, and acknowledges the significant contributions recipients make to their communities and the local government sector.

Mr Harmon was nominated for the awards by Inverell Shire Council general manager Brett McInnes.

“It was a great honour to receive these awards,” Mr Harmon said.

Paul and Anna Harmon at the LGNSW annual conference last week (Image Supplied).

“It is humbling to be recognised and join a group of fellow colleagues who are members of the emeritus mayors’ recipient club.”

Mr Harmon became the first Inverell mayor to receive the prestigious Emeritus Award since the formation of Inverell Shire Council in 1979 and was the second-longest serving mayor behind the late Barry Johnston.

“It has been an honour to serve the Inverell Shire community, a role made possible by the unwavering support of my family, particularly my wife Anna, who has been an invaluable partner throughout this journey,” Mr Harmon said.

“I also want to express my gratitude to shire general manager, Brett McInnes, for nominating me for these esteemed awards.

“Once again, I extend my sincerest appreciation to the wonderful people of Inverell Shire for their support over the past twenty years,” he said.

Mr McInnes said Mr Harmon was a worthy recipient.

“Paul provided long and dedicated service to his community and was well respected in the industry,” Mr McInnes said.

“He served on the executive of NSW Country Mayors’ Association and the board of Local Government NSW at various times, and was Inverell’s second-longest serving mayor.”