Surrounded by a loving family, Mr Amato enjoyed the sense of community Leeton provided.

Growing up, he has since expanded his footprint in the community - he’s part of the St Francis School Board, the Italian Catholic Committee and the Leeton Rotary Club.

He is also a local business owner and a sponsor of many local junior and senior sport teams.

When time permits, Mr Amato enjoys tending to his garden and the relaxation it offers.

He loves interacting with the community and getting involved in any way he can.

What was your childhood like?

“I had a very happy childhood growing up on the farm.

“I played a lot of sport, cricket was my big thing in summer and (rugby) league for winter.

“The best days of our lives.”

What is your earliest childhood memory?

“The smell of orange blossoms on the farm, the smell of diesel from tractors and Mum cooking some beautiful feasts.”

Who were your role models when you were young?

“My family - my mum and dad, brothers and sister as a little kid.

“As I got older I had plenty of sporting heroes.

“My parents and brothers mentored me and we had some really good school teachers that we always looked up to.”

How is childhood today different from when you were young?

“I would say we had a lot more fun back then.

“We were let go a little bit more and I think our parents trusted us a bit more.

“I don’t think we give our kids the rope now that we got back then.”

If you could go back and give your 12-year-old self advice, what would you say?

“Invest a lot more wisely and work a bit smarter.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

“Real estate was always a pipe dream, insurance and banking.

“My brothers were always in the business world and I probably wanted to follow them.”

What do you like best about living in Leeton?

“It’s one beautiful place to call home and the people are fantastic.

“I love getting up in the morning and catching up with friends.

“Generally speaking it’s a great town.

“I’m happy to go on a holiday, but I am 100 per cent happy to come back to my little place here.”

In your mind, what makes Leeton unique?

“It is a great friendly town.

“Regardless of all our ups and downs and times of adversity, we all band together and keep looking forward.”