Former SunTice chairman and Coleambally rice grower erry Hogan passed away on Wednesday night, with tributes flowing for the man who dedicated so much of his time to the area. 

Mr Hogan served as a director on the SunRice board for 17 years, including five as chairman from 1996 to 2001. 

His extensive involvement in and service to the rice industry were recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 2003.

Mr Hogan was a long-serving director of the Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia and Coleambally Irrigation; and served as Chairman of the Rice Co-operative Research Centre.

The medal was also presented for his more than 45-year commitment to local government, including 13 years as mayor of Jerilderie, with a 10-year stint between 2004 and 2014.

Mr Hogan retired from local government in May 2016.

SunRice chairman Laurie Arthur was saddened to hear the news of his passing.

“It was an honour to know Terry, who I greatly respected for his leadership and support, not just for myself, but for many current and future rice industry leaders,” he said. 

“Terry undoubtedly played an integral role in driving the success of SunRice and the Australian rice industry and both will be indebted to his significant contribution.

“He will be sadly missed by the rice industry and those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Terry during his time with SunRice.

“Our thoughts are with Terry’s wife Heather and the Hogan family at this sad time.” 

In recent years former Australian Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer worked closely with Mr Hogan on the John Monash project.

“Terry Hogan was a great citizen who gave much to the community, State and Nation,” Mr Fischer said.

“My sympathy to the Hogan family, he will be greatly missed.” 

A portrait of Mr Hogan hangs in the Murrumbidgee Council Chambers in Jerilderie. Council general manager Craig Moffitt said Mr Hogan was “a true gentleman” and “fierce community advocate”.

“Terry was an extremely passionate man, whose contribution to his community was exceptional,” he said. “He was someone with a progressive mind and a real desire to make a difference.” 

Other recognition Mr Hogan achieved included receiving an Outstanding Service Award from the NSW Local Government and Shires Association among other honours during his life.