Graham ‘Skip’ Smith and Isabella Percy were respectively named citizen and young citizen of the year at Noreuil Park yesterday.

Albury SES unit controller Kevin Kennedy was awarded volunteer of the year, while the committee for the City2City run-walk was the community group winner.

Mr Smith’s co-finalists were church minister and gay marriage advocate Peter Macleod-Miller, organist James Flores, dragon boat coach Lisa Smallbone and community worker Jodie Hayes.

“I thought they’re all very good people and well deserving and I thought my name’s nominated but I didn’t have to think about getting a speech organised because I didn’t think I would actually have to worry about being the citizen of the year,” Mr Smith said.

While he was a Cub as a boy, Mr Smith became heavily part of Scouts 20 years ago through his three children’s involvement.

He has seen girls become part of Scouts and hopes his recognition will boost participants.

“That would be a great thing if the coverage it gets...if Scouting becomes more in someone’s mind as an opportunity for their young person to join as a sporting activity or just as a social activity,” Mr Smith said.

Isabella, 17, was young citizen of the year ahead of hockey player Jocelyn Bartram, disabled photographer Tyler Grace, mental health advocate Liam Mackay and art teacher Tracie MacVean.

She has been involved in organising a disability disco which raises money for charity, developing Friday night gigs at the city’s youth cafe as well as leading the city’s youth council.

“I’m really passionate about my future and I’m really passionate about the future of my peers and I think it’s really important we all get in and have a go to help shape what we’re going to end up with,” Isabella said.

Mr Kennedy was chosen as top volunteer over Parkrun promoters Sarah and Curtis Biggs and teenage athlete and youth councillor Mackenzie Meyer.

He learnt of his win by watching The Border Mail’s Facebook live coverage after travelling to Sydney to attend grand-daughter Evie’s 10^th birthday.

Mr Kennedy joined the SES seven years ago after an appeal for volunteers following a storm on the Border.

The City2City committee was preferred over the Albury City Band, Border Music Camp, Lions Club of Lavington, Parkrun Albury Wodonga and Thurgoona Community Centre.

The award recognised the success of the annual run-walk which has raised more than $300,000 for Albury Wodonga Health since its debut in 2015.