They were the humble words of Tamworth identity Peter Pulley, after he picked up the prestigious Noel Park award at the recent Quality Business Awards.

Described by his peers as “one of the best ideas man they have met,” and a “passionate driver within his community”, Mr Pulley has always been driven by his sense of community.

Since moving to Tamworth in 1962, Mr Pulley has played a major hand in many of the projects that have been a driving force behind the region’s booming growth over the last half century, and has nothing but praise for the community that live here.

“It was a complete and utter surprise – it is not necessarily me that should be recognised, it is the people and the projects – right down the pecking order from top to bottom – you can’t do these things without everyone on board,” Mr Pulley said.

“Tamworthians have always been so pleasant and friendly, and still are.

“They are such people that they have always supported growth, suported better education, a better main street and better jobs – and it was that passion that drove me.”

Mr Pulley was the driving force behind bringing natural gas to Tamworth, was strongly involved in the evolution of the AELEC and TRECC, and had a hand in the development of Taminda as an industrial area.

He sat on the board of the Northern Inland Regional Development Organisation, as well as chairing both the New England Small Business Centre, and the Tamworth Development Corporation.

In more recent times Mr Pulley formed the Central Northern Poultry Innovation Growers Group, was appointed a member of the NSW Poultry Meat Industry committee, as well as the National Compost Revolution.

Behind all the hard work and commitment to growth and development is a simple Pulley philosophy.

“When things need to get done someone has to do them,” he said.

“Sometimes you do things that don’t need to be done – but that’s life. If something needs to be done and you think you can do it, then put your hand up and have a go.”

A recent bout of ill-health hasn’t stopped the community minded drive, which stretches far beyond business acumen.

Mr Pulley is a life member of the Tamworth Magpies Rugby Club, an active Rotarian, and a polished pianist, particularly loving to bash out some rocking honky tonk hits, often performing at local nursing homes.

“Life changes and directions change, but I have no regrets – to be recognised with the Noel Park Award has been a real honour.”