After more than 60 years working for the Inverell community, local icon Brian Baldwin has finally stepped down from auctioneering.
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A well known stock and station agent throughout the north west, Brian began as a livestock agent, with a real love of all livestock, but especially sheep and horses.
In recent years he specialised in clearing sales and antique auctions as well as working for local company JA McGregor Livestock and Property on sheep sale days as chief auctioneer, selling sheep & lambs to an appreciative audience.
His knowledge of the sheep game was unprecedented and his style and delivery as an auctioneer unparalleled.
Brian also presented sheep market report on local radio stations, to which listeners anxiously awaited. These market reports also helped the Inverell saleyards keep their market share.
He has a list of achievements as long as your arm, but his greatest honour was an Order of Australia Medal, which he received in 2013 for services to his community over many years.
Despite his enduring love of the career, after a few health problems, and the insistence of his wife Helen to slow down, Brian has decided leave the hard work to younger men.
Brian and Helen were treated to a special night in late December by the staff of JA McGregor, where his help and assistance over many years was acknowledged with a presentation of an auctioneers gavel and a caricature picture of himself in full spiel.
Brian thanked Helen for her support, which was unwavering, and also thanked JA McGregor for letting him continue doing the job that he loved for so long. Brian will continue to be involved in the town and will maintain his interest in all the organisations that he has supported over the years.
More time to travel and more time for family are two luxuries that Brian and Helen are looking forward to. Good luck Brian and congratulations.
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