BEGA Valley Shire Council’s citizens of the year were awarded on Tuesday inside the newly opened Bega civic centre.
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Bega’s James Bower-Scott said he was “surprised” to be announced joint 2016 Young Citizen of the Year alongside Hannah Fernandez from Broadwater, south of Pambula.
“It was a bit nerve wracking but a good experience,” he said after his acceptance speech in front of an overflowing Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre.
“It was good to have my family here, they’ve been really good support.”
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Michael Britten was on hand to present the awards with Member for Eden-Monaro and assistant minister for productivity Peter Hendy.
“His teachers believe that, while his sporting achievements are remarkable, they reflect only one aspect of James’ qualities,” Cr Britten said of Mr Bower-Scott.
“They say it will be his kindness, his quest for excellence, his quiet determination and his pride in himself, his family and his cultural heritage that will see him become the adult he is destined to be.”
Ms Fernandez’s family was also present, including her grandmother Roseline who had traveled from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.
“I’m unbelievably happy,” her proud mum Sandra said after the day’s ceremonies.
“I am really pleased that she recognises that you have to give back to the area.
“We are very supportive of Hannah’s volunteering.”
Ms Fernandez was happy to have her family there to watch her receive the award.
“It was really lovely,” she said.
“They have been an amazing source of love and support.”
Bega Valley Shire Citizen of the Year for 2016 Phil Moffitt praised the hard work of the Bega Show Society and thanked the society for his opportunity to be involved.
The former Bega AP&H Society president and now life member thanked all of the organisations he has been involved with around the Bega Valley.
“I can only say that my association with them all has given me a lot more than I’ve given them,” he said as he closed his acceptance speech on Tuesday.
A keen follower of North American politics and history, Mr Moffitt said he was proud to be involved in the Bega Littleton Exchange program between Bega and the Colorado town of Littleton.
Also given awards on the day were Rhys Davies and Peter Ubrihien who received the Bega Chamber of Commerce Young Community Citizen of the Year and Community Citizen of the year respectively.
Rhys was unable to accept his award as he is touring New Zealand with a circus.
