Warden, a much-loved figure in Tamworth sporting circles, closed the book on a decade’s service as an office assistant with the academy due to other commitments.

“I’ve started a Certificate Two in Information Digital Media Technology at TAFE and that’s my focus now,” Warden said.

Warden’s association with NIAS began through former executive director Wally Franklin OAM.

Regardless of whether it is summer or winter, you will see Warden around the sporting traps, scoring matches.

“Scoring games keeps me out of the house,” he joked.

“It depends where they are, but usually I score for Tamworth Blue,” he said.

“This is also my 12^th season (scoring club cricket) at Souths.

“I also have scored for three football teams – West Lions, North Tamworth and Oxley Diggers.”