For years Ms Sheridan has taken in many children who have challenging behaviour, cystic fibrosis, developmental delays,brain injury, vision impairment or missing limbs.

These children have high needs and require a great deal of intervention from various health services. While the role of a foster carer can be challenging Ms Sheridan shows these children exceptional care.

She ensures all their health needs are met, while giving consistent discipline that the children respond to positively.

In spite of having limited support and a very busy schedule, Ms Sheridan is always positive and has a good sense of humour.

The Young Citizen of the Year was Melissa Melodie Wolfshoerndl, who threw herself into community work and volunteering from a nearly age.

She completed Year 12 at Colo High School last year and was a member of the school representative council, leading student groups within the school community.

Miss Wolfshoerndl is passionate about providing a voice for the youth of the Hawkesbury.

In a list of breathtaking achievements, she represents Hawkesbury Council on the Youth Action and Policy Association (YAPA), volunteers at Hawkesbury Community Outreach Services, represented the Hawkesbury/ Western Sydney region and the Lions Club of ‘Hawkesbury Bells Line in the Lions Club Youth of the Year Quest and is a nursing home volunteer. And in 2009 and 2010, she organised a drug and alcohol-free Year 10 after-party for all high school students in the Hawkesbury completing their school certificate.

Miss Wolfshoerndl thanked her family and the community upon receiving her award last week.