DEDICATION and service to the wool industry were officially recognised at Campbell Town Show last month by Laincot Fabrics.
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The organisation each year issues a memorial award at the show, paired with $1000, for a worker who has put something of themselves into the region's industry.
This year's recipient was wool presser Donal Crosswell.
Mr Crosswell started working in the industry at "Chiswick" as an 11-year-old shed hand, or "broomie".
He is well-renowned in the industry for his ability and production capability, which is about 40 bales a day.
Laincot's Robyn Quill said Mr Crosswell had spent the past 45 years working in wool store pressing and "always maintained a very high standard" with his work.
"We ask for nominations within the industry," Ms Quill said.
"We get nominations in two or three weeks prior to the Campbell Town Show, we put a committee together and then choose a winner, which is kept secret until I announce it on the day."
She said one of the challenges in keeping the secrecy was making sure recipients were attending the show in presentable clothing.
Ms Quill said the award was in memory of Bruce Forster, who was responsible for creating a new material that made wool more accessible to the public.
"He wanted to see it in garments everyone could afford, not just Armani suits," she said.
Ms Quill said Mr Crosswell, who is 70 and still working, was truly deserving of the accolade.
His work has included the production of 1200 bales at "Malahide", 1000 bales at "Beaufront", 800 bales at "Connorville", 600 bales are "Charlton", 600 bales at "Monavale" and 500 bales at "Valcluse".