Sam Mackay has been named Forbes’ Junior Citizen of the Year at our 2019 Australia Day celebrations.
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Sam gives his time to support a range of sports and community activities – and he says he doesn’t regret a moment’s effort invested in the Forbes community.
Sam is an avid sportsman and was last year named Sportsperson of the Year for his service to our sporting community as a referee and in administration.
He’s involved in touch, rugby league and cricket, he serves as a regular referee or club assistant for the Forbes Magpies, Forbes Touch Association and Red Bend junior rugby league.
He is always willing to pass on his knowledge and skills to younger players and officials, Council General Manager Steve Loane said reading out the award citation before the crowd at Lake Forbes on Saturday evening.
Sam is also heavily involved in show committee, and started organising his first poultry auction at the age of 11.
“Always willing to lend a hand to raise money for a worthy cause, this young man was recently involved in the drought relief auction and CanAssist dancing with the stars auction,” Mr Loane read.
“His involvement in such a wide array of activities is a credit to him and his family.”
READ ALSO: Amy Shine is our Citizen of the Year
A surprised Sam, attending the community celebrations by the Lake with parents Tim and Louise Mackay, thanked the community for the honour.
He accepted his award from Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb at Saturday’s evening celebrations, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Australia Day Ambassador Keith Potger of The Seekers fame.
“I don’t regret anything I do for the Forbes community, I absolutely love this town and I put a lot of time and effort in – can’t say I regret it at all,” Sam said.
“I’d spend my whole life putting stuff into the town if it made it better for everyone else.”
Mayor Phyllis Miller challenged all community members to draw inspiration from our Junior Citizen and Citizen of the Year (Amy Shine, featured on page 3) as well as other quiet achievers who help make Forbes a great place to live.
“Our community life benefits from their input into our daily lives – their efforts and dedication,” Mayor Miller said.
READ ALSO: Forbes’ Heather Mann now an OAM
