In the 1920s the business expanded to Croppa Creek and over the years, J.A. McGregor and Co grew to become one of the most respected and well-known agents in the North West.

Through the generations, the business gradually expanded into machinery, cropping inputs and farm merchandise.

In 1987 J.A. McGregor and Co was looking to expand westwards, and so with a group of experienced local partners formed McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services based in Moree.  

Since then, the business has continued to expand to become one of the most dynamic privately-owned rural services companies in Australia, employing more than 100 staff in 12 branches located across North West NSW, the NSW Northern Rivers, and the South West QLD Border Regions.

To celebrate their 120 years of business, McGregor Gourlay is celebrating the people who have helped them get to where they are today.

General manager Josh McGregor, great grandson of J.A. McGregor, said McGregor Gourlay prides themselves on being at the forefront of agriculture and they couldn’t have achieved this without the loyalty and support of their local communities.

“McGregor Gourlay hasn’t lasted 120 years on the back of a bunch buildings and vehicles, it’s lasted 120 years on the back of its people and that’s because their people are part of the community,” he said.

“The local legends campaign is about recognising those people in the community who are the backbone of the community, who’ve helped us become who we are.

“Within our own business we’ve got all those people who aren’t on the frontline, who not everyone sees. They’re the people that get the job done and help our customers, do what they need to do and pull out all the stops at any time of the day or night.

“We know those are the people who got us to where we are today after 120 years and we want to recognise the people who do the same thing out in the community.

“We want to celebrate those local legends who make our communities a great place to live.”

McGregor Gourlay launched the Local Legends competition in August, encouraging communities across NSW to nominate a local legend in their farming community, with the winner to receive a cheque for $5,000 to donate to a local charity of their choice.

Nominations closed on September 17, with about 30 people nominated from all over the state.

From those, just five finalists were chosen.

The five Local Legends finalists have now all been announced, with McGregor Gourlay releasing a video of each finalist throughout a week from Monday, September 25.

The finalists include Don Quast from Crooble, Dr Clem Gordon from Warialda, Brian Nairn from Bellata, Warwick Bedford from Inverell and Penny Boydell from Moree.

Don Quast:

Described as a humble man with a generous wave and massive smile when you pass him on the street, Don Quast has been in Crooble since 1957. He’s a pillar of the local Crooble, Croppa Creek and Moree communities and enjoys advocating for the Moree Men's Shed, his chosen charity should he be crowned the Local Legend.

Clem Gordon:

Providing first class medical care and support to the rural community has become the life’s work of Clem and his wife Dr Di Coote and their capable staff at the Warialda Medical Centre. Their commitment to the people of Warialda and district is truly evident in their 28 years of dedicated service.

If Clem would become the Local Legend he would donate to the Warialda Community fund, a vital service for those that need assistance for medical expenses in the local community.

Brian Nairn:

A gentleman of the ‘old fashioned’ kind, Brian Nairn is the kind of guy that tips his hat before he shakes your hand and with a big smile gives you the familiar g’day.

He is man of pride; for his town, the Fire Brigade, the Golf Club, his family, his truck and his guitar. A man that loves Bellata and wants nothing more than to see it prosper and that everyone feels welcomed. He has given 46 years of service to the Bellata Fire Brigade - one of the longest standing members, 31 of them as captain. He’s been a familiar face at the golf club for the last 52 years, 47 years on the Board of Directors, 21 years as the club captain and you can still find him in his spare time mowing the greens and maintaining the club house.

At 82 years of age, Brian owns and operates his cotton and grain truck carting business and after 52 years has earned the reputation for giving it his all; he’s the one you can rely on to get the job done. A local businessman still having a go, a volunteer, a friend to everyone and a fair dinkum Aussie, Brian Nairn is Bellata’s very own Local Legend, who would donate to the Bellata War Memorial Hall for renovations if he wins.

Warwick Bedford:

Warwick Bedford is a man that gives his time tirelessly to the Inverell community, supporting their kids with his dedication, hard work and commitment.

A deeply passionate rugby man, Warwick became involved in Ozkick Inverell after enrolling his grandchildren after the family moved from Sydney. He put up his hand to lend a hand, and is now integral in promoting AFL throughout the region. He has helped organise much needed fundraising, training sessions and school gala days with various primary schools in Inverell and across the New England. This hard work and dedication has lead to a whole new competition commencing for Jnr AFL.

Warwick is also an invaluable member of the 319SQN Australian Airforce Cadets, improving the opportunities of the youth members by providing valuable life skills, support and mentoring.

If Warwick is to become the Local Legend he would like to donate to Sands Australia, an organisation supporting families affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Penny Boydell:

A woman that warms the hearts of the Moree community with her quietly spoken way, generosity and outstanding contribution for the wellbeing and support of our local rural women and their families, Penny Boydell was born and bred in Moree.

Volunteering is Penny’s passion, continuing the family tradition of giving back to the community she loves.

Working tirelessly behind the scenes you will find Penny assisting with Meals on Wheels, Ngala House - Moree Women’s Refuge, Fairview Retirement Village, her local church and the Town and Country Club, her chosen charity if she is to become the Local Legend.

At the end of this month, these five finalists will be narrowed down to a top three, based on a range of selection criteria and public engagement with the finalists’ films.

The ultimate winner will then be announced in early November, before the cheque presentation to the winner’s chosen charity will take place before Christmas.