BALRANALD Shire councillor Alan Purtill, 64, has become a steadfast part in the community.

But it didn't all begin in the small New South Wales town.

Born in Echuca in June of 1949, the first four years of his life were spent in Mathoura, NSW, on the Cobb Highway.

His father worked in the local post office, before moving his family to Balranald to work in the family store.

Bought by Alan's grandp...