Stephen Radford OAM is Broken Hill’s Citizen of the Year for 2022 announced at the Australia Day presentation.
Mr Radford received the award in front of family, friends and the community during the official ceremony at the Civic Centre.
“Today’s award is very honouring and humbling for me,” he said on Wednesday morning.
“To have seen the changes here over the many years and all the energy and support given to Broken Hill but also the opportunities Broken Hill gives to the people.
“To be able to harness those opportunities and share those opportunities and help people is what really inspires me.”
He was one of six locals who were recognised for their efforts and contributions.
Mr Radford said this honour ranked equally among his other accolades and is motivated to keep going.
“There’s no achievement that’s better than the other and there is no challenge or accomplishments that I’ve done that outranks each other,” he said.
“I want to make a difference; I want leave a legacy of opportunity in Broken Hill as a I move forward in my later years.”
This year’s Senior Citizen of the Year was presented to Barry King. Mr King said the recognition was a great feeling.
“This award is special,” he said. “I don’t do anything for awards but it’s nice to be appreciated.”
Mr King’s family travelled from interstate to attend and share the special moment.
He encouraged other residents, particularly the youth, to be more involved in community affairs.
“We need to get more people to give their time.,” Mr King said.
“There’s not a lot of people out there doing it, it’s still left up to the older people and we need a lot more young people to come onboard.”
Young Citizen of the Year for 2022, Arliah Pearce, hoped her recognition could help inspire other young people engage in volunteer work and is eager to do more.
“I hope it does,” she said. “Volunteering is something that you choose to do and it’s one of the best choices I’ve ever done in my life and I am ready to do more.”
Ms Pearce said she gets a “massive sense” of enjoyment from giving her time and thanked her family and friends for their ongoing support.
“I don’t do volunteering for the reward, I do it because of the enjoyment for the community,” she said.
“Honestly, it just makes me really happy to be able to go out and help someone else.
“It means so much to share with all my family and friends and have them along to make me feel happy and safe.”
Natasha Bearman, Lesley Harvey and Shane Webb also received certificates of recognition.
On the day, Glenda Baxter, Rhona Litiyanie Liuwa Malaga, Alia Naomi Garoa Malaga, Shannon Taunao Gibson Malaga, Magnolia Mabida Thomas, Mary Joy Mativo Werner, Paul Gardner Luciano Reyes, Pitz Gerald Luciano Reyes become Australian citizens.
Broken Hill City Council mayor Tom Kennedy took the group through the official pledge before they received their citizen certificates.
The ceremony concluded with a performance from local group Smoke n Mirrors before morning tea was served.
