Carl King reflects on his time in Leeton shire

He arrived in Leeton when he was about two-years-old when his family relocated to town for work from Deniliquin.

“Everybody makes you feel welcome, it’s a very welcoming town,” Mr King said when looking back on their arrival.

Growing up, he found inspiration from his family.

“Mum was an influence on me,” he said. “My dad, he’d always been very sport-minded. He played cricket until he was about 50.”

Riding his pushbike to and from school and with those around him to encourage athletics, it was natural that Mr King found his way to the sporting fields. 

“I started playing football at school at a very early age, sport started very early in my life.”

Rugby union on Saturdays, league on Sundays in the winter, cricket in the summer, sport went on to play a large role in his life.

Playing his final reserve grade match for the Phantoms in 2014, he continues to support the club today.

As he grew up, Mr King found he wanted to contribute to the community and one of the organizations that has become important to him was Light Up Leeton.

He has been on the committee since its inception 21 years ago and deeply enjoys the pleasure Leeton gets from the celebration.

“I’ve been there since day one,” he said.

“When you’re asked why do you do it, it’s hard to put your finger on exactly why. It’s a good feeling, that’s for sure.”

From the first concert on the back of a semi trailer, Light Up Leeton has grown to a concert that involves area schools, various community organizations and facilitating Christmas decorations around Leeton and organizing a tour of decorated houses.

“It’s never strayed from its ideals or its agenda,” Mr King said.

“It was always (designed) to create a concert, create spirit in the town and get people lighting up their houses.”

Mr King was also thankful for the love and support he receives from his wife Brenda who encourages his various endeavors.

“With all the things I do, I couldn’t do it all without her support,” Mr King said.