At the Australia Day Breakfast in the Park William Roberts was given this title. 

Will, who is homeschooled by parents Murray and Julie, will enter Year 10 this year as well as studying for a Certificate in Piano Performance. 

His most outstanding achievements have come in the world of music, playing piano and viola. Will has won gold medals at numerous eisteddfods and championships across the region.

His music has allowed him to be actively involved in the community, as a regular performer in the Wong and Students Concerts at The Arts Centre and a member of the local Brio Alpha Orchestra, which plays at a number of community events. 

Will is one of the youngest members of the Cootamundra Bicycle Users Group and is also part of the Cootamundra APH&I, contributing entries to the Cootamundra Show every year and also participating in junior judging. 

On the sporting front, Will has taken part in Cootamundra Swim Club, Little Athletics, Soccer Club, Cootamundra Cricket and the Pony Club. 

He has offered countless hours to the Cootamundra Nursing Home, providing musical entertainment every month for the best part of a decade. He also plays bingo with the residents and chats to them during afternoon tea building a strong rapport with the generations above him. 

Accepting his award, Will showed why he was named Young Citizen of the Year delivering a well-articulated thank you commment. 

He began by thanking everyone for being at the community breakfast, before encouraging other young people to be involved in the community. 

“It has been wonderful growing up in Cootamundra, I have been given so many opportunities,” Will said. 

“I love everything I do and would encourage others to be involved because this is such a supportive town,” he added.