Celebrating Dick Austen’s Contribution

May 27, 2015

Members of the NSW Crawford Fund Committee and Crawford Central arrived in Millthorpe from Sydney, Canberra, Tamworth and Hartley, to celebrate the sustained contribution of Dick Austen AO to the Crawford Fund.

Dick has been a member of the NSW CF Committee since it formed, contributing not only his vast experience and judgement but also, until very recently, hosting evening meetings of the Committee at his company headquarters in Neutral Bay. These meetings were invariably followed by a delicious meal prepared by his long-standing PA Anne O’Reilly.

Last weekend, fittingly, was a weekend of fine food and wine, which the Orange district is renowned for, as well as glorious autumn weather, which is not always the case. On Saturday we toured the Mayfield, Canoblas-Smith and Bloodwood wineries, finishing with dinner at Millthorpe’s one-hat Tonic Restaurant. On Sunday morning those who could stay inspected the treasure trove of history at the Millthorpe Golden Memories Museum, which includes a truly remarkable collection of early agricultural and mining equipment, and much, much more.

We are very sorry to be farewelling Dick from the NSW Committee and wish him and Yvonne many more happy and healthy years together.