Gerard is one of them.

Local town leaders and family members gathered at the newly renovated Singleton Diggers' Alroy Park complex this afternoon to celebrate Gerard McMillan's 40 years of service as manager.

There they were able to mix with (and hear from) his work colleagues who had travelled from as far as Queensland in an entertaining afternoon hosted by Rugby League legend Gary Freeman as MC.

Special guest speakers to pay tribute to the man of the hour included Michael Johnsen (Upper Hunter MP), John Gould (Scientific Games), Peter Cooper (Club Managers Association), Neil McNamara (Former Mayor of Singleton), Michael Titow (Singleton Diggers Operations Manager) as well as his son Benjamin who shared his earliest memories growing up at his father's workplace of the past 40 years.

Outgoing Clubs NSW leader Peter Newell OAM also paid tribute to the Singleton based businessman.

"Gerard is an icon in this industry, not only for his 40 years at the club but he's been an important part of the registered club's association (the forerunner to Clubs NSW) for even longer," Mr Newell told the Singleton Argus.

"He's been with rotary and he's served numerous service bodies around the place.

"He's a great credit not only to his club and his community but also to himself."

When asked to describe Mr McMillan in one word he had looked across the crowded banquet hall and conjured up a patriotic reply.

"True blue, that would just about describe him," he added.