AN award to recognise Bathurst citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to the city and region has been named in honour of local radio owner-operator Ron Camplin.
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Mr Camplin, who this week celebrates 60 years in broadcasting, last night became the first person to receive the award.
Bathurst Regional Council introduced the award which is now considered the highest honour it can bestow on a citizen.
A suggestion came from the community that Ron Camplin should be honoured for his contribution to Bathurst and his enthusiasm for the community.
Since his accomplishments are an example of the criteria for this award, council resolved to not only present him with this award, but name it after him.
In 1994 Mr Camplin was presented with the Order of Australia Medal for services to the community and the broadcasting industry.
In 2000 he was awarded the Commercial Radio Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2002 was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
Mr Camplin began his radio career with 2CH in Sydney at the age of 15 in August 1948.
He worked as an announcer at 2XL Cooma, then moved to Mudgee at age 21 working firstly as announcer/journalist, then as manager, before purchasing the radio station at age 25.
He floated a local company with four other investors to buy the station from the London Daily Mirror. He later bought out the other shareholders.
In 1969 he purchased Bathurst Broadcasters Pty Limited from Consolidated Press.
He has served the community in other ways including acting as president of Mitchell Foundation Trust of Charles Sturt University, director of the Charles Sturt University Foundation, president of Bathurst Legacy, publicity officer for Bathurst Legacy, patron of the Black and White Committee, Bathurst Eisteddfod Society and Bathurst Police Citizens Youth Club, founder and administrator of the Bathurst Junior Sports Awards and patron of The Macquarie Philharmonia.
One of Mr Camplin’s philosophies is to “catch someone doing something great and positive, and give them recognition and praise”.
Yesterday it was his turn in the spotlight.
