Australia Day Awards - 2024 Nominees

Larry Angell has contributed so much for the Broken Hill community over the last four decades that it is impossible to name them all.

Larry was the Chair of the Patton Village committee for over 10 years and currently holds the position of vice President.  Such is his involvement with this committee, that he is known affectionately as the unofficial “Mayor of the South”.  Larry has been an integral part in organising the Patton Park Family Fun Day, Christmas in Patton Park and Market, seeking sponsorship and overseeing the running of them on the day.

He set up a drop in centre for youth for after school, not only setting it up but organising volunteers as well as volunteering his own time.

In 2023 Larry volunteered to reopen White’s Mining and Mineral Art Museum.  He currently volunteers his time to run the museum five days a week.

Larry is a well known veteran of the mining industry, having worked for several years underground and he’s an experienced tour guide having worked with the RFDS guided tours for over 10 years.  Larry is well recognised as someone with enormous interest and skill in promoting Broken Hill and the region as a tourist experience.  Larry has also been known to open his home to travellers in need including some from the Netherlands who were staying in an non-airconditioned van during one of Broken Hill’s heat waves.

Larry founded and administers the Facebook page “Broken Hill and Far West Tourism” which is consulted for events all over Australia and has built a huge following.  Larry is no stranger to the media having undertaken numerous interviews with the ABC radio and Barrier Truth newspaper over many years.

He spends many, many hours and money decorating his house for Pink October, Halloween and Christmas bringing joy to many children and adults, with his house being renowned for its decorations  and atmosphere.  Larry uses these holidays as fundraising for local causes as well as charities such as Love Your Sister.  Larry has even assisted as Santa’s Helper at many events.

Larry has volunteered hours helping with the development and establishment of the garden at Penrose Park, from transporting multiple loads of soil from Broken Hill to Penrose Park, planting and watering.

He has been a big supporter of Scouts volunteering at the hall behind the scenes by such things as mowing the lawn, helping at barbeques and transporting equipment for such things as donut stalls, helping to deliver telephone books, helping to raise money for scouts attending cuborees, jamborees and world jamborees and marshalling at the Broken Heel Festival.

Larry often spends his evenings putting together packs of beads for the Rainbow Shoelace Project to support his granddaughter.  Larry is also the carer of his wife of nearly 50 years who has Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Larry’s dedication to Broken Hill has seen him involved in numerous groups and organisations including as a Councillor, involvement in services clubs such as Jaycees, coach with the South Junior Cricket Club, member of the Norm Fox Oval committee and many more, volunteering countless hours of his time to the benefit of the Broken Hill community and the region.