Cr Polglase (pictured) was recognised for his service to local government and to the community of Tweed River.
His brother-in-law Neil Blenkiron, who still lives locally, said the district community can also claim to have played a role in Mr Polglase’s award, with his start in local government being with the former Murray Shire Council.
‘‘Warren would still be quite well known in the Bunnaloo district; he and his brother helped build the complex there,’’ Mr Blenkiron said.
‘‘I still remember a few of us helping him to get around and meet people, to get him on the Murray Shire Council.’’
Cr Polglase and his wife Karlene moved to Bunnaloo in 1979 from Karoonda, and farmed rice and wheat.
He was a councillor in Murray Shire from 1980 to 1987.
The Polglase family moved to the Tweed Shire in 1987 to manage the family’s business interests, and in 1991 Cr Polglase was first elected to Tweed Shire Council.
He was Mayor of Tweed in 2001 through to 2005 and again in 2009-2010.
Cr Polglase is currently overseas, however he has previously commented on why he has dedicated himself to local government and his community.
‘‘Community and family are everything. When you live in a local area you fight for that area,’’ he said.
‘‘My job as a councillor is to care about the future of Tweed Shire, to help ensure council has a sustainable balance of good business, social and environmental outcomes. We also need to demonstrate strong financial management.’’
In 2010, Cr Polglase was honoured by the NSW Government, receiving an Outstanding Service Award to NSW Local Government.
Cr Polglase’s OAM citation also highlights his involvement with the Tweed Chamber of Commerce, Tweed Regional Art Gallery, Tweed South Rotary Club, Tweed Netball Association and Murwillumbah Community Centre.
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