It takes a rare talent to be nominated for Wagga’s Young Citizen of the Year but teenage touch football referee Isaac Cornell is taking it all in his stride.
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Cornell, 16, was last week named as one of three nominees for his tireless efforts across charity fundraising and community sport.
A keen sportsman, Cornell has been heavily involved with Wagga Touch Association as both a player, coach and referee while also dedicating hours of volunteer work for CanTeen in the region.
“It’s honestly a bit of a shock really,” Cornell said of his nomination.
“It’s not something you ever really expect too much or aim for but I guess it’s nice.”
Modesty aside, Cornell has done a power of work for the community across both fields.
The youngster first became involved in touch football during a referee drought and has since become an integral member of the team, refereeing in both local and state competitions.
“Originally I just used to go down and watch Dad play, but one day they needed a ref and I gave it a go.”
It’s honestly a bit of a shock really. It’s not something you ever really expect too much or aim for.
- Young Citizen of the Year nominee and Wagga Touch Association referee Isaac Cornell
“From there, I just kept coming back and I’ve had some pretty good nods since then – managed to do some work at the Junior State Cup last year and will hopefully do that again this year.
“I was also nominated as a rep ref to go down to Tasmania last year … and I’ve been doing some senior rugby league refereeing as well.
“I’d love to do some more of that this year.”
Cornell’s link with CanTeen – the youth cancer support network – date back even further.
“I’ve been involved with them for at least four, maybe five years now and this is my third year doing leadership work with them.
“I got involved around when Mum was diagnosed … we lost her a few months ago but they’ve done a lot for me so it’s good to give back and do something there.
“We got to do a pretty big fundraiser for the Canberra Times run which was great.”
Other notable sporting figures nominated for Australia Day honours include Wagga City Rugby life member David Mundy.
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