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THE Johlink Plus Quality Business Awards were held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre last night.
Local business owners and their employees arrived at the black tie event in style and were treated to pre-event entertainment.
Event organiser and Centreboard Media director Kevin Anderson emceed the evening and entertainment was provided by local band Fat Spongebob Squarepants.
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Businessman and long-time Tamworth Regional Councillor Warren Woodley received the Noel Park Award on the night for his service to the Tamworth business and industry community.
A special speech was prepared in Cr Woodley's honour and included excerpts from the poem Warren Walter Henry Woodley, written by Peter Fenton in 2007.
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Warren Walter Henry Woodley was the name hi- his mother gave
But to us he’s just plain Warren it’s the time we have to save,
Born to Sylvia and Neville back in Nineteen Thirty-Seven
He was never any trouble - to hisparents, he was heaven.
Raisedl in typical surroundings he was just acountry kid
Smoking weeds behind the garage, never telling that he did,
Selling rtihhit traps with Rob MeCook beneath the morning sun
Playing hotlle tops and marbles tind taking Skipper for a run.
He was no "great shakes" at school, sometimes he found the going tough.
His teachers said "a happy boy", and that was fair enough.
His teachers didn 'tsee it all? some qualities surprise
And in later years they 'dmarvelat the heights to which he 'drise.
Now lie also had a pet calf which aspired to be a steer
Rut he sold him to the butcher when the food bill got too dear!
It was then his father realised his business sense had grown
So when school was done he hired him - Lest he set up on his own!
It was quite a wise decision as the firm just grew and grew
Yes the motor trimming business was exactly what he knew,
And in time he took the reins and made the opposition squirm
Woodley Motors Sales and Service was a very solid firm.
Soon the young man made it clear that he had very special ways
And his altruism lasted throughout his growing days,
Leading young men into fellowship; his Christian views were strong
You could surely make your mark without confusing right from wrong.
At the age of twenty-four when he had found himself a date
And he took this girl Lorraine out in his modest Austin Eight
She was very very special and she made him feel so fine
That he quickly culled the Austin and bought a Singer Nine.
Well they made a splendid couple in their sporty little car
Andthe Tamworth paparazzi used to chase them near and far,
When they wed in 'Sixty-One it was a very happy day
And the union proved conclusively that love had come to stay.
In the many years that followed business kept him on the run
And the birth of three great children simply added to the fun,
As Bronwyn, Mark and Leisa grew their parents gave their all
To kith and kin and family:... yet heard the city's call.
A councillor and alderman for over thirty years
He wore the mayoral robes and fought that folk could shed their fears
Forming groups to fight for drug laws that would keep the city clean
So that life could be a pleasure, such as his had always been.
When the order of Australia came his way a few years back
He had earned a reputation that no man would dare attack,
But it didn't mean his struggle for the underdog mix through
As he showed when fear and igno ranee caused trouble for a few,
When those poor asylum seekers were harassed in Tamworth town
Tlien he had to dig his toes in help ing turn things upside down.
As the council sought direction aud it seemed just lost the plot
Then this man who stood foi fun ness stood his ground and slopped the rot.
His oft-read Bible states a man has three score years and ten
And today he's reached that mile stone, but he might go round again.
He must keep an eye on Yarrol: lest the weeds come breaking through
As Lorraine had often told him there is much more work to do.
As this quintessential Aussie settles back to view his flock
He's as happy as a lizard on a warm and sun-drenched rock.
With his children here in Tarmworth and six grandkids by his side
Is it really any wonder that his heart is filled with pride.
So well done. Warren Woodley! You have led a splendid life
Clearly based on real integrity, supported by your wife
Yours is like a good news story of an unspoiled country boy
It's your turn now - relax-And let your grandkids bring you joy.
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Source: Northern Daily Leader, Sept 2009
