Mr Newham officially received the honour at last Friday's Cowra Sportsperson of the Year (SOTY) dinner.

Accepting the award, Mr Newham said the induction "was a complete shock to me, it was a surprise".

During his acceptance speech he took the opportunity to congratulate the committee of the SOTY.

"One of the things that has allowed this concept to carry on for so long is the fact that we have had such highly respected members of the community as judges, that is certainly very evident this year," he said.

"I'd also like to take the opportunity Cowra Guardian for all of the years this concept has been in place, they have been terrific support and I've always looked forward to (stories on) the monthly winners, prior to COVID of course, COVID certainly upset things," he said.

"This concept was designed by Don Kibbler and the late Barry Doyle, both outstanding citizens in the community.

"Barry, of course, was the outstanding sports journalist [at the Cowra Guardian] accepted all sports and had a very open mind in promoting all sports.

"In Barry's early years [involved in the committee] this concept really blossomed.

"I know that Ron Casey, who was an early guest speaker, said the concept was good but it would only last two or three years because people would get sick of it.

"It goes to show how important the committee is highly respected because this ensures the concept is ongoing.

"Sport has always been a enjoyable thing to me," he said.

Mr Newham also made mention of Cowra's ability to produce outstanding young sports people.

"We currently have a number of young sports people performing on the world scene and at state level," he said making mention of Brady and Todd Kurtz, Maurice Brown, Ellie Carpenter and Daniel Hughes.

Mr Newham thanked his wife Barbara for her support, which he joked waivered when he was "late home after a game debrief".

"I hope this concept can continue, for many years to come," he said of the sports awards.