Model citizens box up community prize

By CPL Damian Shovell

RAAF Williamtown Citizens of the Year Sergeant Bevan Box and his wife, Joy, with their trophy.

Photo by LAC Clint Siggins

FLIGHT Sergeant Bevan Box and his wife Joy are an example to Defence couples after being jointly presented with the Port Stephens/RAAF Williamtown Citizen of the Year Award.

The award recognises the valuable contribution that Defence personnel and their families make to the local community.

FSGT Box said he and his wife have been posted to RAAF Base Williamtown since 1992 and had made every effort to become active in the local society.

“ We’ve been involved with the Medowie Little Athletics Club for the past six years, and the Medowie Soccer Club for the past four,” he said.

His wife, Joy, has also taken great interest in their children’s school at Wirreanda Public School, and has held the secretary appointment at the Parents and Citizens association in the Port Stephens District for the past two years.

“Getting actively involved with the community is something that we’ve done on each posting,” FSGT Box said.

“It’s a great way to meet people in the area, and get your kids involved in different activities.”

With he and his wife being actively involved with the school and local sporting clubs, they’ve cultivated friendships and contacts and been able to become further involved with their children’s education and the wider community.

“Once you get involved you find your extended family is the rest of the community,” Joy said.

The couple will enjoy a trip to Washington DC next Anzac Day as their prize for receiving the award.

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