Back in April, Finley Show Society committee members covertly nominated the couple for the AgShowsNSW Living Legends award, honouring their service and dedication to the organization, which is well over a combined 50 years.
They were the only joint nominees alongside 17 other living legends from across NSW.
At the end of May, they were announced as finalists for the award with Robert Cochrane (Castle Hill), Daryl Sidman (Camden), Wayne Willmington (Luddenham), and Vanetta Renshaw (Lithgow).
The couple travelled to Armidale at the weekend to attend the AgShowsNSW Celebrating AgShows gala dinner where all the award finalists and winners were announced.
During the evening, they were announced as the 2025 Living Legends for their decades-long dedication to the Finley Show and their enduring contribution to the show movement.
This award is just another in a long line of recognition they have received to honour their involvement, which included Life Membership of the Finley Show Society for Alex in 1999 and Joyce in 2004, and Show Personality for Alex in 2009 and Joyce in 2017.
The committee received updates during the evening from the pair, with Alex calling out the rest of the committee for nominating them in the first place, while Joyce said they had had a lovely evening.
“We are very happy and humbled with this living legends win,” she said.
For more than half a century, the Brains have been the beating heart of the Finley Show Society.
With more than 50 years of dedication each, they have contributed tirelessly - Alex as a long-time committee member, chief poultry steward, and the go-to handyman; Joyce as secretary, mentor, and the ‘face of the show’.
From running stalls, leading working bees, and mentoring new members, to sharing stories that connect generations, their passion for the Finley Show has left an indelible mark.
Their efforts have preserved traditions, inspired others, and ensured the Finley Show remains a vibrant and thriving part of the community.
Both Alex and Joyce were honoured as official openers of the 2024 Finley Show - a fitting tribute to their lifelong commitment.
This is the third volunteer recognition award the Finley Show Society has received this year, with the committee receiving the 2025 Community Organisation of the Year at the Berrigan Shire Australia Day Awards, along with committee member Matt Mueller named the 2025 Citizen of the Year.
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