“Oh my god I was in complete shock – I didn’t even know I was nominated,” Sarah said this week.

“I am very appreciative though and couldn’t be more thankful.”

Sarah said she found out she had been nominated by Donna Campbell, Bega Valley Shire Council’s community development officer.

“Donna said she had written two pages on me ‘and not one word of it was a lie’,” Sarah said.

“I knew I did a lot of work but don’t think it’s made much impact – I guess it has though if I’ve got this award,” she added.

That community work Sarah humbly understates includes - among much more we are certain - being a member of the Bega valley Youth Council, helping to organise the graffiti project at the Bega Skate Park, the winter sleepout in Littleton Gardens, volunteering with the PCYC and helping organise the morning breakfast and boxing program at Bega High School, completing the PCYC Blue Star program, and taking part in the BHS Cambodia trip and fundraising – twice.

“I really enjoy helping others,” she said.

“I’m one of those people who put my name down for everything.

“But it’s a team effort overall and I get a real enjoyment of that community spirit.”

Sarah has only recently moved to Sydney – to both look after her ailing grandfather as well as study events management at TAFE.

“To be honest I wouldn’t have even thought of that [events management] unless I’d been part of all those things in Bega.

“It was great to have the opportunity to do so.”

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