Losing his left hand when a military bus he was in rolled over didn’t stop Nathan Parker from achieving amazing things. 

In fact, the 25 year old Goonellabah resident has just been named NSW Young Australian of the Year at an awards ceremony in Sydney.

With one robotic arm, Nathan is now a flying instructor at the Northern Rivers Aero Club (NRAC). But achieving his dream of flying planes has come only after his persistence, strength and resilience saw him emerge from a major setback. 

“I see myself as a normal guy,” Nathan said. “I just want to make the most out of opportunities despite the challenging situations I’ve been dealt.”

Nathan said the NSW awards were about recognising people who are achieving and working to make a difference in their communities. 

“I hope winning the award will allow me to keep doing the work I’ve been doing, working with young people and as a motivational speaker,” he said.

“My passion to inspire others to turn the toughest times into greater opportunities and not let setbacks stop them pursuing what they want to achieve in life.”

Nathan said it was a surprise to him to learn that he had been nominated for the NSW Young Australian of the Year award.

“The first I knew of it was when the award committee rang me up in late October,” he said. “I feel privileged to have been one of the 16 finalists over the four awards categories.

“I got to meet so many other inspiring people who are all doing amazing things and we had an awesome afternoon meeting the Governor of NSW in Government House, before we went to the awards ceremony at Luna Park.

“I’m still pinching myself that I was a part of all that – It’s still surreal to have won.

“Now, I will progress through to the national awards Australian of the Year awards on January 25, 2021. 

“I could still win next year, I don’t know what will happen. I just love the idea of meeting other people and learning about what they are all doing in their communities.”

Read more about Nathan Parker and his life on Sunday November 29 in this week's Sunday Profile section on the Lismore App. Sunday Profile