An Upper Hunter farmer who helped to coordinate drought relief across the Upper Hunter has received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
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Antony White, who runs a black angus cattle property at Belltrees, was recognised in the Australia Day honours list for his service to the community of the Hunter Valley region.
"I'm sixth generation here on the farm and very proud of where I come from and very proud of the people that I look after and try and help," he said.
Mr White, or 'Anto' as everyone calls him, volunteers extensively within the Upper Hunter community, including serving as the CO-VIP for the Upper Hunter Horse Festival in 2014 and the current Joint Patron of the Belltrees Parents and Citizens Association, is a life member of both the Upper Hunter Cutting Horse Association and The Gundy Bushman's Carnival and is a current serving member of the Stewart Brook RFS.
Mr White has also devoted his time to community sport, joining the Scone Polo Club in the 1970s where he is now a life member as well as serving on committees at the Belltrees Cricket Club.
When asked how he has the time to give so much to his community while running a cattle property, Mr White said he believes "you've just got to find time".
"You're only on this planet for one time and you have to make the most of it," he said.
"I think local community is very important and there are thousands of people out there that do wonderful jobs for their communities and I'm just so proud that I've been selected amongst (those) people that are putting their hand up and helping other people."
But of all his accomplishments Mr White said he was most proud of the work he and his community did to support farmers in the Hunter during the recent drought.
"I just saw a time where farmers were doing it very tough and I thought maybe I might be able to put my hand up and give them a hand and you know, that's what I did."
"I went on radio and people heard the situation and were generous and came forth and we were able to help 77 farmers during the drought through three different charities and organisations.
"It was testing and it took us all to the limit, but it's really in those times you see the generosity of people."
Mr White said the family's Belltrees homestead was used as a depot to coordinate the distribution of high cost feed pellets, food, water and clothing provided by Aussie Helpers, an organisation founded by Brian Egan who heard Mr White's story on the radio.
"He heard the story and rang me literally the moment after I hung up with 2GB and it was just amazing," Mr White said.
"He organised high and fodder and everything for all these farmers. Through his charity and donations, (farmers) were able to source hay and keep their cattle alive."
While immensely proud of being the recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, Mr White said every one of his many achievements had been a team effort.
"Every community event that I do, there's individuals that put their hand up that are also amazing. So I think I accept this award on behalf of a lot of people who have contributed and definitely helped me along the way," he said.
"I'd really like to thank the people that nominated me, and obviously the committee that selected me and I'd like to mention my mother, particularly my brother Peter, my wife Tina and my two children Alec and Edwina."
Mr White said while working the land in the Upper Hunter was challenging, he had no desire to live anywhere else
"I've travelled the world and I think the Upper Hunter is the best place in the world," he said.
And as to how he plans on celebrating his award on Australia Day?
"I'll be having a barbecue with a few friends and then I think that certainly I'll celebrate at the Linga Longa at some stage in the afternoon!"