23-08-2022
The signage for the Trevor Picker Bridge will be unveiled on Wednesday 24 August 2022 at 11am with family and friends of Mr Picker on hand.
The new bridge over Kangaroo Creek near Bigga was completed just before Christmas 2021 and following expressions of interest being sought from the public, was named after Trevor Picker OAM by Council resolution.
Mr Picker was born in Crookwell on July 20, 1928 and lived his entire life at the family property, Hillcrest” at Bigga.
He was prominent in a wide range of local activities, including the following:
- President of Bigga Fishing Club and one of the instigators of netting Murray cod and silver perch at Burrinjuck and Burrendong dams.
- Captain of the local bush fire brigade.
- Undertaker for the Bigga district and caretaker at the local cemetery.
- Heavily involved in running the Bigga Bears in the 70s and 80s.
But it was his involvement in the superfine wool industry for which he was best known.
Mr Picker was appointed to the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1988, the year of Australia’s Bicentenary, for his distinguished service to the superfine wool industry.
He was widely regarded as being instrumental in putting the local area on the national and global stage for wool production.
Mr Picker held four world records and was passionate about promoting the wool industry.
He regularly earned record prices from classing superfine clips around Bigga and in 1964 set one of his world records by achieving top price of 1800 pence a pound.
But around his family he was known for many more personal achievements… as a fisherman, a Manly Sea Eagles fan and a beloved husband, dad, pop and pop-pop.
“Sadly dad was taken from us in 2019, aged 91, being killed in a horrific head on collision in Binda,” said Brett Picker, who submitted the nomination to honour his father.
“After his passing our family was approached by Councillor Darren O’Brien and asked to consider if we would allow Council to name the new bridge in dad’s memory.
“We would be honoured if Council would recognise our father in such an incredible manner.”