Mayor honoured to meet Orange youth

September’s Mayoral Youth of the Month, Hayden Innes, could barely contain his excitement when he met Orange Mayor John Davis, but Cr Davis says it was he who was honoured to meet the 11-year-old.

Like many boys his age, Hayden could be out spending his pocket money buying the latest gadget or computer game, instead he spends his own money and uses his time to cheer up residents of Cherrywood Grove Specialist Aged Care.

Cr Davis said he was sure Hayden did not expect gratitude or thanks for his actions but Cr Davis said Hayden sure deserved acknowledgment.

“I am more than impressed to meet you young man,” Cr Davis said.

“What you have done is tremendous and I hope you continue to do so and I hope others are inspired to do so after hearing about you.

“You don’t do it for the thanks but it is always nice for somebody to say thank you, so on behalf of the Orange community, I say thank you.”

Last year, Hayden asked his mother to store half of his pocket money each week so he could save up to buy Christmas presents for people in the aged care home who might not have friends and family close by.

He now visits the home regularly and hands out gifts such beauty packs, socks and beanies on days when residents might feel particularly lonely, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Easter.

“I’m pretty excited,” Hayden said, as he was presented with his certificate and gift voucher by Cr Davis.

“I’m happy that he’s noticed what I’ve done.”

Hayden said he hoped that others might take note of his deeds and visit one of the many other aged care facilities around the city bearing gifts and a friendly smile.

The Mayoral Youth of the Month award is designed to highlight good deeds and accomplishments of young people in the City of Orange who sometimes go unnoticed in the community.

The award is aimed at recognising and celebrating young people who have and are currently making significant contributions, particularly in the areas of education, community work, sport, culture, the arts and the environment.

To nominate a person for Mayoral Youth of the Month contact Orange City Council’s Youth Development Officer Katrina Hausia at khausia@orange.nsw.gov.au

YOUTH OF THE MONTH: Orange Public School student Hayden Innes received the Mayoral Youth of the Month Award surrounded by his family, Anora Robinson, Jody Robinson, Lee Stinson and Orange Mayor John Davis.