Councillor Gosper said he was surprised to be presented with the award after nine years on council and he said it was a “great honour”.

“I’ve taken it for the work that I’ve done in a short period of time, which I’m honoured to receive,” Cr Gosper said.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do without a dedicated group of councillors and staff.”

Councillor Rhoades praised Cr Gosper as a “true son of Cabonne”.

“You were one of the instigators of the grassroots campaign against forced mergers – you talked to your community, made an informed decision and told the government what they were doing was wrong,” Cr Rhoades said.

Cr Gosper said the amalgamation fight bound councillors, staff and the community together to move forward as one.

“I only stood up and said what I needed to say because I’ve been trying to represent the Cabonne community’s views,” he said.

It wasn’t just the mayor’s service which was recognised.

Deputy mayor Kevin Walker and councillors Geoff Dean, Anthony Durkin, Sharon Wilcox, Ian Davison, Marlene Nash and Greg Trevors were presented with awards.

Janelle Culverson and Lachie MacSmith who resigned earlier this year, also received service awards.