ONE of the strongest supporters of agricultural shows - Junee Reef's Patrick Keast - has been honoured with a life membership of the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC).
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The honour was presented to Mr Keast by ASC president Tim O'Brien in recognition of his lifetime of work with agricultural shows.
A former NSW ASC and group president, Mr Keast served as a group delegate for more than 20 years.
His work with agricultural shows dates back much further, however, as he joined the Junee Show Society 49 years ago.
President Peter Commens said Mr Keast worked in almost every position in the society's executive over 35 years, including several years as president, chief steward and ringmaster.
In recent years Mr Keast has been organising the sideshow and commercial space at the Junee show and liaised with the show society and the showground trust.
"He's one of the greatest supporters of agricultural shows that I've ever known," Mr Commens said.
"What I admire about Pat is that he didn't move on from Junee and forget about it," he said.
Mr Keast isn't just a member of the ASC, but is a Royal Agricultural Society councillor, is involved with organising the junior judging competitions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and other agricultural shows in state capitals.
"(But) he's never ever forgotten his local roots and where he started," Mr Commens said.
"He's a bloke that you can always count on."
