Wagin farmer Malcolm Edward has been named the 2010 Rural Community Achiever.
The award recognises the years of effort he has put in towards staging the town's annual Wagin Woolorama event.
Nominated by the Wagin Agricultural Society (WAS), Mr Edward's work with Woolorama has helped put the town on the map.
Mr Edward moved to Wagin in 1968 to join his father-in-law in the running of the Belmont Park stud. He became involved in the WAS and soon realised the annual October show, with only locals attending, had no future.
Along with other forward thinkers he proposed it become an autumn event in March, when there would be less competition from other agricultural shows.
Woolorama was born and 38 years later it is recognised as an outstanding success, with local businesses benefiting from the 20,000 visitors it attracts annually.
Over the years it has provided a forum for wool innovation technology and sheep productivity ideas to be presented to farmers. Agricultural business generated is put at around $3 million per year.
More than $30,000 is distributed every year to service organisations in the town who have contributed to the staging of the event.
As well as gaining sponsorship for Woolorama events, Mr Edward has also found time for 42 years of active Lions Club membership and 30 years of volunteer fire brigade leadership. He has also pursued the eradication of footrot and lice.
Mr Edward says he is motivated by a sense of belonging to the community.