On Wednesday, January 26, he was awarded the Warracknabeal Citizen of the Year.

Mr Wright said he was humbled by the award and he and his wife Beth were shocked by it.

"I didn't know whether I deserved it or not," he said.

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"My family are very proud, I've got a lot of support from them."

A member of the Warracknabeal Uniting Church, Mr Wright broadened his pastoral commitment to conduct funerals both in the church and for those who required a graveside service; adapting the service - whether religious or secular - to suit the family needs and outlook.

Mr Wright has been conducting funerals which he said is a privilege to be able to provide.

"I've been a member of the Uniting Church and and somehow when the ministers are not available I seem to be the one they call," he said.

Mr Wright is a highly respected member of the Warracknabeal community, his roots as a teacher and a cricket player had integrated him into the community and with 49 years there, he is a familiar face to many.

He said he didn't know how a 12 month teaching stint became 49 years in Warracknabeal.

"My first reaction was that it was dry and flat," Mr Wright said.

"I just became a part of the community through teaching and the Sheep Hills Cricket Club was a big part of my life."

Mr Wright advised to become a part of community groups when moving to regional areas like Warracknabeal.

In fact, a community group was paramount to Mr Wright meeting his wife, Beth.

"She played table tennis," he said.

"We had three children and now we have seven grandchildren."

Mr Wright has volunteered at a host of Warracknabeal community groups including the Warracknabeal and District Historical Society, Wheatlands Warehouse, Warracknabeal Cemetery Trust and a leader in the Church Council for Warracknabeal Uniting Church.

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