The winners were announced at a ceremony on Monday, October 8.

Among the winners were Tea Gardens’ Mitchell Bowen and Bulahdelah’s Joshua Gilbert.

Mitchell was recognised as joint winner for the Sports Achiever of the Year along with Jessica Hickson from Boomerang Beach, and Joshua was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year.

Paterson Citizen of the Year was awarded to Peter West from Raymond Terrace, while Corporate Citizen of the Year was awarded to Hunter Readymixed Concrete. “These awards recognise service to the community and personal achievement and I congratulate our winners and all nominees,” Federal Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, said.

Mitchell was recognised as Sports Achiever of the Year. He is ranked as the number one national enduro rider and is also the Australia off road champion for motorcycle enduro riding.

Mitchell has one seven state championships and has the opportunity to represent Australia next year in the international six day enduro.

Joshua was recognised as the Young Citizen of the Year and is regarded as a diligent and academic student. He is involved in serving breakfast to fellow students at school, volunteer fire fighting and he is also an Australian Air Force Cadet.

Also from the Myall Coast area nominated for the Paterson Citizen of the Year award was Peter Kendall from Nerong and Joan Wilcox from Hawks Nest.

Young Citizens of the Year nominees from the Myall Coast also included Hayley Follett and Mitchell Markham from Tea Gardens and Justin Robards from Bulahdelah.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Alexander Downer, also attended the ceremony to oversee the proceedings.