NSW Governor David Hurley, presented Anson Street School captain Joshua Merlino and Kinross Wolaroi School year 12 leader and house captain Ailish Seedsman each with a John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award for outstanding service or engagement. 

Joshua was nominated for the award for his volunteer work with Blayney SES, and acts of goodwill such as changing a tyre for an elderly woman in a shopping centre and for his leadership as school captain.

Ailish is the Orange 2018 Youth of the Year, an honour she shares with her sister, and was presented with the award on Friday for fundraising and volunteering her time to help a range of groups and individuals in the community.

They were among 25 students who were recognised for for selflessly volunteering their time and contributing beyond the norm to inspire their fellow students. 

Order of Australia Association (NSW) branch chairman John Archer OAM, said Joshua and Ailish were exemplary community role models.

“Joshua and Ailish are among 25 high school students recognised today to have selflessly volunteered their time to a wide range of organisations and for many very worthy causes while busily preparing for their Higher School Certificates,” Mr Archer said. 

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“They have contributed beyond the norm and their actions have inspired their fellow students. They are beacons of inspiration for others to follow.

“We are fortunate to have such role models active within our communities.”

The award was initiated by the late Dr John Lincoln AM, in 1992 and was convened by him until his death in 2011, aged 95.

Governor Hurley presented the awards through his role as patron of The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch.