Superintendent Clinton Murray Pheeney was the Lachlan Area Commander from July 2003 to April 2008. 

Superintendent Pheeney joined the New South Wales Police Force as a Cadet in 1975 at the NSW Police Academy, Redfern. 

He was promoted to his current rank of Superintendent in 2003 and posted to his current position of Commander of the Oxley Local Area Command in 2008 (after leaving Parkes).   

He has served at Traffic Branch, Hay, Lockhart and Wagga Wagga, where he entered the Criminal Investigation field in 1986 and was designated as a Detective in 1990. 

He served in the Criminal Investigation field at the South West Region Crime Squad, Wagga Wagga and Griffith, where he was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2000 as Crime Manager at Orana Local Area Command.  

During his 39 year career in policing Superintendent Pheeney has served at a wide range of metropolitan and country locations. 

His investigative knowledge has made him a valuable resource to other Commanders and subordinates. 

His leadership came to the fore in 2011 when a senior constable was murdered whilst on duty at Tamworth. 

As the Local Area Commander Superintendent Pheeney was responsible for the provision of leadership and support to all of the staff of the Command, which continued to function effectively whilst providing support to the family of the senior constable. 

Roy said yesterday he was ‘chuffed’ to receive such an honour.

“It was totally unexpected, a real honour,” he said.

“It has acknowledged my acting, but I am equally as proud of the charity work which I do assists many people at large.

Roy, of Coogee, received his award ‘for service to the performing arts, particularly as an actor, and to the community.’ 

But it is his association with Parkes which has endeared him to locals.

He played the Parkes Mayor in the hit Australian movie, The Dish and admits he has a real ‘soft spot’ for the town.

“I have great confidence in the area and have invested in property in Parkes. I come up from time to time.  I have also made good friendships including current Mayor Ken Keith, local identity, Michael Greenwood, the telescope’s John Sarkissian, among others.

“I was also delighted to compere the hugely successful Opera at the Dish.  What a fantastic night and it also raised thousands for the McGrath Foundation. 

“It was also nice to come back to Parkes as Australia Day Ambassador in 2011 and to act as Parkes ambassador at Country Week in Sydney.

“I still have people come up to me from all over to say g’day Mayor as a result of The Dish.  It is definitely one of Australia’s favourite films.”

Roy said he was fortunate to be still getting plenty of work.

“We have done three Jack Irish movies, and are now about to start on a series based on the books.

“I also enjoyed playing Cliffy Young in the movie - I get some wonderful jobs.

“I am very honoured by this award.  It is a cliche to say I am humbled - I am actually very proud.”

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Roy’s citation for his OAM includes a strong Parkes influence and reads as follows:

Mr Billing has been a film, television and theatre actor since approximately 1976 with a huge number of credits.

Member (Actors Equity Division), National Performers Committee, Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Member, Federal Council, current; Member, many years.

Returning Officer, Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW. Ambassador and spokesperson, Australian Screen Association, since 2009.

Patron, Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, since 2007; Ambassador, Dry July Foundation, since 2009; Ambassador, Australian Turf Club, current; Ambassador, Sydney Swans Football Club, since 2009.

Promoter, Parkes Shire District, for many years through a range of initiatives including: Master of Ceremonies, Opera at the Dish, 2011.

Australia Day Ambassador, 2011.  Parkes Shire Council Representative, Country Regional Living Expo, Rosehill Racecourse.

Appointed unofficial Mayor of Parkes.