Gunnedah-based Member of the Legislative Council Sarah Mitchell put up a motion in Parliament that the House recognise the "hard work of the president of the Gunnedah Rugby Club, Mr Bruce Hockings and his committee in organising the event".

The motion, which was passed, also asked that Parliament recognise "the importance of local sporting clubs, especially rugby union clubs, in regional communities across NSW".

The motion noted the 125th anniversary of the Gunnedah Red Devils Rugby Union Club and that a commemorative ball had been held with more than 600 people in attendance, including past and present players and supporters.

Mrs Mitchell also asked Parliament to note the special tribute to 37-year-old Gunnedah Red Devils reserve coach and former captain Alex Costello, who died suddenly in April.

"I thought this event was particularly worthy of acknowledgment in the Parliament as a 125th anniversary is a major milestone for any organisation, especially for a sporting club in a small town which has been largely run by volunteers," Mrs Mitchell told the Namoi Valley Independent.

"I've had family members and friends play for the Red Devils over the years and it's nice to be able to support your local rugby team.

"Even now, my family and I will often go out and watch the home games. It's a great day out."

Mrs Mitchell, her husband and friends were among the 650 people who attended the ball. She said she was impressed with the way the event had been run and with the catering done by the Verdict.

"The speeches and auctions on the night were great as was the acknowledgement of key players and supporters, the entertainment was fantastic, overall it was very well done and everyone really enjoyed it," she said.

"I cannot begin to imagine how the president and the committee organised a ball for that many people but they deserve to be congratulated on such a successful evening.

"It was a privilege for me to be able to recognise their hard work in the NSW Parliament. I think the fact that more than 600 people went to the ball shows that the Gunnedah Rugby Club is a special organisation for many Gunnedah residents, both current and former, so it's nice to have that acknowledged as well."

Mrs Mitchell said she would send the club a formal copy of the motion.