He was named Forbes Citizen of the Year at Australia Day celebrations at South Circle Oval. 

Mr Parsons is the president of Forbes Harness Racing Club, having served as a vice president and also vice president of western districts harness racing. 

His contribution to our community ranges from involvement in Forbes Legacy, Knights of the Southern Cross to central west Men of League.

He is a volunteer driver with Parkes / Forbes Community Transport and member of the Mater Review Board. 

Our junior citizen of the year is Mitchell Ashcroft. 

Mitchell is a member of the Forbes Youth Advisory Committee and was one of five young people to help establish the popular Spectacular Screenings.

The initiative, which sees regular indoor and outdoor movie nights in Forbes, won a Children’s Week award, for Community Commitment.

Mitchell was also presented with a Youth Encouragement Award at the 2014 Forbes Youth Week Awards for his work 

As the award presentation was held after our publication deadline last night, the Advocate will feature more on our winners in Thursday’s edition.