When I first received the news that I was going to be named Ambassador of the Clarence Valley, I couldn’t have felt more honoured and privileged. Being named the Ambassador of the area I was born and raised is an achievement I hold in high esteem.
I find it a completely different kind of feeling when you are recognised locally, by the people you grew up with and around, as opposed to achievements on the national or international stage. I have represented Australia on many occasions and won medals at the Commonwealth Games but being chosen to officially represent the Clarence Valley (Yamba and its surrounding areas) is right up there with those.
I am a huge believer in never forgetting where you camefrom. The people, environment and culture of where and how you grew up, makes you who you are today. Along with my parents, there have been many people who have supported me since I was young and I am hugely grateful to them. But there have also been people that come and go and there have been people that are by your side only when you’re winning, but that’s just the way it is.
I think this award is a great initiative from the local council and I’m looking forward to seeing what other talent the Clarence Valley can unearth in coming years. We have produced state, national and international stars in the past and present and I hope I can be somewhat of a role model to the young kids of the Clarence.
