YOUNG BLOOD: Orange's Junior Citizen of the Year Will Parish accepts the shield from deputy mayor Jeff Whitton. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER 0126lsoz15
ORANGE’S Junior Citizen of the Year Will Parish called for more young people to step up for their community in his acceptance speech on Saturday.
Mr Parish’s passion for Scouts and volunteering saw him take out the top gong beating other nominees Micheala Collins, David Pierce, Brittany Harman, Tristan Harrison, Adam Cusack and Mark Evans.
The 19-year-old Scout leader said he was honoured just to be nominated for the award and couldn’t believe it when his name was announced as the winner.
“I’m gobsmacked,” he said. “I’m just an ordinary bloke ... everyone else deserves it as much as me.”
Mr Parish has been a Scout for 12 years and has now stepped up to be a leader of the Cub group, travelling back from his job as a builder in Bathurst each week in time for Scouts.
The reason for his passion is simple.
“I love being outdoors and seeing the kids have smiles on their faces,” he said.
As well as attending weekly Scout meetings and camps, Mr Parish also volunteers his time for the Children’s Arthritis Foundation, Camp Quality, the Heart Foundation and the Red Shield Appeal.