A SWANSEA resident has been recognised for his ongoing contribution to the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the event’s Parade of Champions.

The parade, organised by the Agricultural Society of NSW, honours the show’s committee members who have been integral to showcasing NSW and Australian agriculture at the annual event.

This year the show received more than 28,000 entries for Excellence in Agriculture Day, in categories such as livestock, horticulture, art and woodchop.

For Arts and Crafts Committee member Melvin Duffy, of Swansea, his involvement in the show’s agricultural sector started in the 1950s when he paraded Jersey cattle at the Sydney Royal Cattle Show.

He then decided to enter his paintings of rural subjects in the show’s Sydney Royal Art and Craft Competition.

Mr Duffy has exhibited his paintings at the show for the past 50 years, picking up several Popular Choice awards.

In 2012, he took out first prize for his painting As Time Goes By, which he said was one of his greatest achievements at the show.

As a participant in the Parade of Champions 2014, Mr Duffy was awarded a ribbon and certificate for his dedication to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

http://www.newcastlestar.com.au/story/2231344/swansea-artist-lauded-as-sydney-royal-easter-show-champion/