Many of us know Sue-ann Nixon as the driving force behind the incredibly popular annual Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival.
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Within a handful of years, the festival has grown to fill the Town Hall and concourse, drawing more than 120 exhibits last year.
But it was also her quiet volunteer work that saw her named Forbes’ 2018 Citizen of the Year at Friday evening’s community celebrations at Lion’s Park.
Hundreds gathered in the shade by Lake Forbes for the music, entertainment and official proceedings.
Mrs Nixon was recognised for going far above and beyond at Forbes North Public School where she works as a teacher.
She can be spotted working in the school garden from 6.30am, or giving up her lunchtimes to run special interest groups such as the art club and construction club.
She has been the hard working force behind the enhancement of many special areas in the school including the sensory garden area, the biodiversity garden, the occupational therapy room and possibly a lot more.
“I love the children, I love Forbes North and I love our Forbes community,” Mrs Nixon responded at Friday’s surprise awards announcement.
The popular Christmas Tree Festival, she explained, was birthed out a desire to create something for the enjoyment of children and families.
Mrs Nixon’s involvement with Rotary Ipomoea also saw the start of the club’s markets, at the time the only regular markets in Forbes.
The club works hard to fund local projects, such as some of the seating around the lake.
Another of their beneficiaries, the ShelterBox project, is explained in a letter on page 8.
Mrs Nixon said she didn’t work alone, she credited teamwork for what has been achieved both at the school and through the club.
Mrs Nixon has also been a loyal and busy member of Forbes Town and District Band for 17 years, playing her tuba and euphonium at many local events.
Young citizen: Turn to page 2 to meet our inspiring young citizen of the year, Kelsey Muller, and read about her beautiful initiative.