After 15 years of service at Bellingen Shire Council in various roles, nearly a quarter of a century supporting local groups, it’s fair to say the community is less surprised, though very thankful.

The number of projects, programs, committees and board memberships that Mr Troy has been associated with is large. It’s wide-reaching and underpins the man as having played an essential and central part in Bellingen Shire’s direction.

For his part, the mayor is circumspect about his local contributions and he’s quick to deflect the limelight and instead commend those who’ve been with him throughout the time.

“ Like so many of my fellow citizens the commitment you contribute in any field is not made with view of reward, however, when the recognition does come it does demonstrate that others believe you have worked to make a difference,” mayor Troy said.

“On my local government journey I have met an amazing mix of good people including young school students, hundreds of volunteers and leaders of government. Representing our diverse community is something I enjoy and value, but I couldn’t have done it without many, many others.”

Outside the many day to day issues of local government, “many of which can be challenging”, mayor Troy said he has endeavoured to play an advocacy role designed to achieve improved outcomes for our community and credits his wife, Gina, as being the backbone for all his achievements.

“I have always strived to achieve equity and stability and will continue to do so, but whatever my achievements may be, and that is for others to determine, I could not have done it without the support of Gina.”

Mayor Troy said he was “still a little overwhelmed by the announcement” and has no idea who put the Australia Day commendation forward.

“I can honestly state that I do not know who prepared the nomination for the OAM Award and would like to publicly thank them,” he said.

Mayor Mark Troy’s public service record is extensive, however he has flagged these as being highlights: Mayor, Bellingen Shire Council, since 2004; deputy mayor, 1991-1993; councillor, since 2004, 1990-1995; vice-chair of the Mid North Coast Regional Organisation of Councils; executive committee member of the New South Wales Country Mayors Association; executive board member of the Local Government New South Wales, 2012-2013; Economic Committee member, 2012-2013; Natural and Built Environment committee, 2012-2013; deputy chair of the Pacific Highway Taskforce; co-chair of the Coffs Harbour City/Bellingen Shire Flood Recovery committee, 2009;  chair of the Bellingen Shire Australia Day committee; and member of One Association Local Govt Taskforce 2010-2011.