Fr Graham McLeod has been named Bogan Shire Citizen of the Year.
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Fr McLeod said his passion for the community resulted in the erection of the Big Bogan.
"I have a passion for this town of Nyngan and the Bogan Shire and as an outcome of that passion is the erection of the Big Bogan," he said.
Fr McLeod said he was delighted by the response to the big monument.
"The distance people will drive just for a photograph. But it seemed to be the right time, it seemed to just take off and everyone knows the publicity we've had," he said.
"Hopefully people will go up the street and go to the museum and spend some money."
Also nominated for the award was Judy Stimpson.
Owner of Fifi's Salon, Mrs Stimpson has made an enormous contribution to the Bogan Shire.
Mayor Ray Donald said Mrs Stimpson had been on the show society for over 25 years, made contributions to St Patrick's Parish Council, was a key organiser in the 2004 Relay for Life and has been secretary to the swimming club.
She has also been training and employing people in the town as well as cutting hair for over 51 years.
Brett Howard won Young Citizen of the Year and Junior Sportsperson of the Year for his hard work with the Tigers and represented Nyngan in the NSW representative team for Indigenous Australians. He was also selected to represent Nyngan in the indigenous young achievers.
The Sports Team of the Year received no nominations this year so Crs Jim Hampstead and Glen Neill reviewed all the efforts of the sporting teams from around the shire.
The Nyngan Junior Rugby League under 13 Football Team deservedly won the award for winning the 2015 competition against hard rivals and making a significant contribution to local rugby league..
The Anzac Centenary Commemorations won the Community Eevent of the Year.
Cr Ray Donald said the effort that went into the 100 years on from the beginning of the Gallipoli campaign made it feel like a very special place to pay respects.
RSL Sub-Branch secretary Peter Giddy graciously accepted the award.
Cr Donald said he was hoping to see more nominations for the awards next year.
