And Mr Cullen made history last week when he was inducted into the Rotary Club of East Maitland Inc.

On the same day, Mr Cullen was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition by Joan Latter in honour of her late husband, past district governor Jack Latter.

Members believe this was the first time in the history of Rotary in Australia that its prestigious award had been made to a new member on the same day he was inducted into the club.

Mr Cullen, 31, from East Maitland, told the Mercury how he was at the point of desperation after growing up in a home of acute violence and had been a victim of multiple assaults.

“My life seemed so very bleak –  when I walked down the mall where members of the Rotary Club of East Maitland were cooking sausages,” Mr Cullen said.

“They spoke to me, the first time for so long that I talked to people who cared about me.

“From that day, I decided to work hard to become a Rotary club member and help other people – and my life began to change from that time.”

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For the next two years, Mr Cullen was a Friend of Rotary, learning about the club and its work.

Then on Tuesday he was inducted into the club – and became a Paul Harris Fellow.

Ms Latter, a member of the Rotary Club of East Maitland, 

said the story of Mr Cullen’s ­childhood suffering – and the change in his life – showed that out of diversity, greatness could be achieved.

“Members of this club have taken William under their wing, guided him to assimilate better into the community and have given him a sense of belonging,” Ms Latter said.

“They have given this young man the ability to understand peace and happiness.”

Mr Cullen told the Mercury: “That sausage sizzle in the mall and my chat to the Rotarians was the start of a new life for me.

“These people gave me hope to change – and to be able to help others.”