Sam and Tom Drane were among several locals that received Rotary's 2020 Australia Day Ambassador Awards at the community breakfast that launched Sunday's local activities.
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The two motorbike riders were among several individuals and groups that were nominated for the Rotary's Ambassador Award. Other recipients included the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show, the Railway Arts and Visitor Information Centre and Grazing Down the Lachlan.
The Rotary Ambassador Award is presented to an individual or group that have contributed significantly to promoting the town.
Rotary Club President Grahame Uphill said that it's hard to choose a finalist for these awards and everyone recognised were all worthy recipients.
Mr Uphill said they chose to recognise Tom and Sam Drane with Rotary's 2020 Australia Day Ambassador Award as they felt like put Forbes on the map when they took on the best riders in America on their home ground.
Last year, both Tom and Sam Drane travelled to America to compete in the AMA National Championships. They returned from the four-day long competition with a bunch of placings in individual events, as well as an overall second place for Tom and fourth place overall for Sam.
Other recipients included the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show which has been running for 28 years and sees hundreds of wines entered by wineries from across NSW and the ACT.
Grazing Down the Lachlan has gone from strength to strength since it started four years ago, with 900 guests from around the state attending last year's event.
The Railway Arts and Visitor Information Centre were recognised for promoting Forbes and welcoming guests to the region since the centre's grand opening in 1990.
The Rotary Ambassador Awards were presented in front of a good crowd who were at Lions Park to kick off the Australia Day celebrations. Community members were joined by Forbes' 2020 Australia Day ambassador Bob Fitzgerald.
READ ALSO: Meet Forbes' 2020 Australia Day Ambassador
Forbes also welcomed new Australian, Kirsty Combes, who received her Australian citizenship certificate from Mayor Phyllis Miller.
