Barry Bent, Head Professional at Woolooware Golf Club, has received a Distinguished Long Service Award at the NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW.

The awards night, conducted at NSW Parliament House, recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

Bent was one of 20 recipients from a wide cross-section of sports to receive their award from NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. John Sidoti MP.

Bent has been Head Professional at Woolooware Golf Club since 1980 after previously serving as Head Professional at Kareela Golf Club.

He has coached players and developed students to reach the PGA and Ladies PGA Tours, plus Australian and NSW team representatives.

He was honoured with recognition of contribution to golf in the Australian PGA Centenary awards and was a former PGA Teacher of the Year.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Carolyn Campbell said Bent and Carol Harriss were worthy award recipients.

“Sport in NSW relies on people such as Barry and Carol who have voluntarily dedicated their time over many decades. Put simply, sport would not exist without them,” Ms Campbell said.

“It is fitting these Distinguished Long Service Award recipients are recognised and honoured. It is because of their efforts that NSW remains the premier sports state in Australia.

“Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of boys and girls, men and women, would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides. Sport remains at the heart of communities across NSW and has the unique ability to bring people from different cultures and backgrounds together,” Ms Campbell added.

The awards presentation evening also celebrated volunteers across nine categories for their outstanding achievements and excellence to over the past year. The categories were Community Official of the Year; Young Official of the Year; Community Coach of the Year; Young Coach of the Year; Community Sports Administrator of the Year; Volunteer Director of the Year; Community Team of the Year; Community Club of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

Courtesy of: Golf Australia Magazine