Lachlan O'Mara said to be recognised as the Yass Valley's Young Citizen of the Year means a lot to him.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He said he was completely surprised when he learnt of Yass High School's decision to nominate him for the award, officially presented at the Rotary Breakfast on Monday.
"Obviously I do these different things because I want to, I never thought of being awarded for it."
Lachlan is an active volunteer with the NSW Rural Fire Service. He is a training officer crew leader and an advanced fire fighter.
"I got into the RFS when I was about 12 I think and it's something I've liked so I kept doing it."
The 18-year-old just completed his HSC and currently works as a farm hand in Bowning but will soon be starting a building apprenticeship.
The avid cricketer is a passionate Bowning Buffaloes clubman and he also helps with first aid training given to various senior classes and community groups around Yass.
"I'm born and bred, all my mates are here and I've just always been involved with these sorts of things, I've never thought of it as service or anything though. I do it because I like it."
Pat Longley took away the Senior Citizen of the Year award due to her tireless work within the Yass community over a long period of time.
Pat, born in Yass in 1932, went to school at Mt Carmel and she was shocked when she found out about the accolade.
"I was stunned, it was a great surprise but you don't do these things thinking you're going to get an award for it," she said.
"The reward is definitely the friendships that you form and the fun you have together."
Pat volunteered with the Yass District Hospital Auxiliary for 22 years, delivered for Meals on Wheels for 25 years and has also been a steward and done other work for the Yass Show Society.
She's also renowned as one of the best cooks in the Yass Valley. Her casseroles and slices are stuff of legend.
Bob Frank, Cecile Felderhoff and Connie Elliott were also recognised and given Community Service Awards at the breakfast on Monday morning.
Bob moved to Yass with his wife Sylvia in 1972 and has been a big part of the success of the Yass Railway Museum.
His love of trains and his mechanical experience has been invaluable in helping to preserve the range of rolling stock at the museum.
He has also worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Yass Railway Heritage Centre which continues to be very popular among locals and visitors.
His interest in cars also helped with the establishment of the Yass Historical Car Club in 1979 and he's held almost every position at the club since then.
Cecile Felderhoff, since moving to Bowning, has jumped head-first into community work.
Cecile has organised fundraising events, set up the Bowning Family Fun Day and was recently installed as the President of the Bowning and Districts Lions Club. Cecile also volunteers with St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army community stores in Yass.
Our very own Bowning Babble scribe Connie Elliott was also recognised for her work in the village as well.
Connie helped with the refurbishment of the Bowning CWA Rooms as a venue for Bowning Play Group and Mini-Music activities for young kids, she's helped with improving signage at the cemetery and has established the Bowning Progress Association among many other things.
While announcing the award, councillor Michael McManus said "Connie is a perfect example of someone that builds community spirit and makes our local communities a better place for all."
The Yass Valley Men's Shed was also announced as the Australia Day Community Group of the Year.
The shed began in 2007 with a group of around 15 men who decided Yass needed a centre to address men’s health and well being.
It holds seminars related to health, runs workshops and activities, and also offers strong support to other community groups and organisations.
They also work to help individuals in the community by making specialised equipment for people with a disability.
The shed is based in Laidlaw Street next to the brand new Community Centre, which the group was instrumental in developing.