Kojak awarded Sawtellian of the Year at 93rd annual fun day

WITH a big smile and a look of surprise, a much-loved local man accepted a major award yesterday.

The Sawtellian of the Year for 2013 is Douglas ‘Kojak’ Duncombe.

WITH a big smile and a look of surprise, a much-loved local man accepted a major award yesterday.

A lifetime of community achievements saw Douglas 'Kojak' Duncombe awarded Sawtellian of the Year at yesterday's 93rd annual Sawtell Fun Day.

Of all his many activities over the past decades, Mr Duncombe said he's most proud of the bowls festival he started 10 years ago.

"People come from all over Australia to attend," Mr Duncombe said of the Sawtell Festival of Bowls.

"It's a social festival, not for profit, and we even give prizes to people who don't win. All the grey nomads come from all over and stay in Sawtell, some camp here for months."

The festival has had a positive effect on the Sawtell economy.

"Without a doubt, over the past 10 years it has brought in millions of dollars," Sawtell Fun Day Committee President Warren Hollyman said.

Aside from the popular festival, Mr Duncombe has long been an active volunteer for the local Meals on Wheels service and even serving as secretary for a number of years.

"I'm terribly surprised and happy," Mr Duncombe said of the award.