State president Colin Bell presented Mr Hegarty with the award for his numerous years of service to the NSAA. Mr Hegarty is also the State treasurer of the NSAA.

In an extra sign of the health of the NSAA in North Queensland, the Townsville branch was also awarded the Barry Vicary Award for highest numerical increase in membership, an award it has now won five years in a row.

Mr Hegarty said he was surprised about the award but always hopeful.

“We all like to get a pat on the back from time to time,” Mr Hegarty said.

Mr Hegarty has held the position of president of the Townsville branch since 2001.

He said one of the secrets for the strong number of Townsville Nashos was a focus on the social side of things, along with having the support of a good committee.

The Townsville branch is the largest NSAA branch in the State and the only one to have a sub-branch in the form of the Burdekin.

NSA State secretary and Innisfail-based John Hardy was awarded the Rowland Williams Memorial Shell for the most outstanding contribution to the Association for 2008.