The 24-year-old, who lives between Greenock and Kapunda, has been named Young Citizen of the Year for Light Regional Council.

Thomas who is a high achiever when it comes to education and sport and music has also been heavily involved in the Rotary Club of Barossa Valley after being selected for the rotary exchange in 2004.

Since then he has continued his involvement with the club and last year became a Friend of Rotary.

Thomas said he’s now working hard to live out his future plan.

He is currently helping on the family farm that produces olives and taking on part-time jobs to set himself up financially.

He is also completing a diploma of massage and an advanced diploma of applied science in sport medicine with honours.

“Once I have completed these and set myself up I plan to join the rotary club as a full member,” he said.

In October, 2011 he joined a team of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Port Augusta and travelled to Tulagi in the Solomon Islands where he helped to construct a steel two-bedroom house as part of the Rotarians Against Malaria Program.

A program which Thomas said was rewarding.

Thomas has also contributed to the Kapunda and Light Agricultural Society for the past 20 years, and has participated in a wide range of music programs and sporting events.

He showed no signs of slowing down even after two knee reconstructions in the past 18 months.