Click on images to enlarge
2 February 2016
Gulgong saddened by the passing of one of its beloved residents
Gulgong residents were saddened by the recent death of well known local man Leo Selwyn in December.
Mr Selwyn moved to Gulgong in the late 1960s and raised a family at Nagundie, which became well known due to Leo's dedication and love of the Aboriginal culture surrounding the property.
Nagundie was a destination for many tourist buses, with visitors attracted by the beauty and surrounds, rock formations, the water hole, Aboriginal rock paintings, donkey and camel rides, sheep dog demonstrations, and sheep shearing, along with other activities that are involved in a working property.
A resident emu who thought he was a sheep dog featured in the Leyland Brothers' television program. The Women's Weekly and Bill Peach's Australia also featured Nagundi's attractions.
Mr Selwyn bred, trained and trialed working dogs for many years, starting the Orana Sheep Dog Club at Gulgong in 1970.
He was well known for his Nagundie Border Collie and Kelpie stud having sold dogs all over Australia, in the latter years working in partnership with Ann Leonard.
Many can attest to his willingness to lend a hand to those in need or for a community event.
He often would buy a permit to cut wood and deliver a load to someone in need, sometimes donating wood from his own woodpile if unable to go out and cut, would mow lawns for people and give them lamb.
Mr Selwyn was a staunch supporter of the Gulgong Terriers football club, serving many terms as president and vice president.
He was a Junior League referee and became a life member of Gulgong Rugby League and also served as Castlereagh League president.
He ran the line, cooked hundreds of barbecues, announced teams and scores over sound system at Billy Dunn Park during matches, collected at the gate, setup and cleaned the ground after several matches, chopped loads of firewood freely as fundraising for 'his club'.
Mr Selwyn also served as a shire councillor and was an active member of many committees, including Gulgong Sports Council, the tourism committee, County Council and Red Hill committee.
He was a dedicated member of Gulgong Show Society (of which he served as president) and Gulgong Showground Trust, as well as the Swimming Club, Cricket Association, Tallawang Fire Brigade and the Tidy Towns Committee
Hardworking, dedicated, community minded, determined, are a few adjectives people who knew Mr Selwyn would use to describe him.
Although he battled leukaemia for many years, he did not allow it to slow him down.
His achievements included a first place finish in a charity walk from Ulan to Gulgong of 26km after turning 60, ahead of many younger walkers.
Around 200 people farewelled Mr Selwyn following his death on December 18, at the age of 70, remembering him with sadness, humour and respect1 .