The regional manager for Regional Australia Bank took out the title at the 2016 Armidale Chamber Business awards last Friday.

Originally from Tamworth, Mr O’Connor moved to Guyra earlier this year and credits much of his success to his family and staff.

“It means a lot, to be named amongst such inspirational business leaders within our community such as Jeremy Creagan and Patrick Crick, let alone being announced as the winner.

“I have 33 staff in my region and they inspire me to do better each day and I feel I succeed when they do,” he said.

Regional Australia Bank’s Guyra branch were also in the running for an award on the night.

“I was not at all surprised when I found out the Guyra branch were finalists,” he said.

While success may be sweet, the road has been tough and long for Mr O’Connor, having battled advance stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“Over four years ago I was diagnosed with advance stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

“I was treated with an aggressive regime of chemotherapy which was hard with a young family.  

“The community support I received was unbelievable and now I give back by volunteering with the Cancer Council,” he said. 

Dane is the Liaison Officer for the Northern Tablelands and provides a voice for the Cancer Council to have issues addressed in Parliament.

With his busy life, Mr O’Connor said it’s crucial to be well-organised.

“I won’t lie, having both my wife and I working full-time is not easy with five kids under 10.

“But having five kids is a lot of fun and my wife and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.