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The RAS of WA

Volunteer Of The Year

Volunteer of the Year - Bernie Duncan
2011 Volunteer of the Year, Bernie Duncan

Bernie’s association as a volunteer with The RAS began in 1970 when as the Head of the Rural Studies Department at the Fremantle TAFE he organised students studying Sheep, Wool and Wool classing certificates to come to the Show and learn about breeding and showing Merinos and assist in the sheep shed.

In 1972 Bernie was offered the position of recorder in the Farm Skills competition and continued in that role until 1983 when he was promoted to Chief Steward a position he held until 2005.

Bernie has always supported his wife Gaena in her role as Chief Steward of Cookery and after retiring from the Agricultural Colleges and Schools Committee in 2005 he was able to move his talents into the Cookery Section full time and from then on was the ‘go to’ man in the cookery pavilion.

Bernie also took on the role of Chief Steward of the Amateur and Commercial Fruit Wine competition in 2010 after having stewarded for the judges for a couple of years.

Bernie also filled in during the Show so stewards could have a lunch break but in 2010 stood in for whole shifts when stewards were unable to do their shift because of illness. Bernie is very knowledgeable and also very engaging with the Show patrons. Bernie also has an ordered and efficient way of packing up the display aides so they are all protected, take up as little storage room as possible and are easily located for the next year.

Bernie always demonstrated a “can do” attitude with everything he did. He worked well with staff, workers and volunteers, and since his involvement with the Cookery Section the number of volunteers has risen enormously. He was pleasant, helpful and always seemed to keep his composure when the pressure was on.

Bernie was involved with The RAS since his days at Muresk in 1946, when he began showing the farm’s stud cattle and pigs. He was a member of The RAS since 1972.

Unfortunately Bernie passed away in September 2011 just prior the 2011 Royal Show. His wife Gaena accepted the award on his behalf from His Excellency Mr Malcolm McCusker AO QC at the Official Opening of the Show.