Bruce is part of the founding team whose initiative is developing something unique for the region, a tall trees arboretum now well under way at Wallerawang’s Lake Wallace.

He spent his weekend helping out with the technical side of the Lithgow Band’s Anzac production at the Union Theatre.

He’s also prominent in other amateur musical stage shows in Lithgow.

But it was his valued role in the employ of the NSW Government throughout his working life that has seen him honoured with a Premiers Award.

The award recognised his many years of service in electricity generation before his current role working with disadvantaged children at schools in Katoomba.

“This was the last thing I was expecting when I was asked to come to the Mercury Office,” Bruce said.