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YOUNG LEADERS NAMED

Youth mental health, music, and a desire to help the community are the passions that unite the three new Hills Shire Youth Ambassadors.

Hills Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne congratulated Savannah Mandakini Dissanayake , Tian Yi Wong See and Reshmi Vinanya Niriella on their 12 month appointment at a civic function for volunteers.

The trio (pictured) will be involved in various council activities and community events and will also be actively involved in the Hills Youth Army.

“It is inspiring to see future leaders so eager to make a difference and influence change for the better,” Mayor Byrne said.

SAVANNAH MANDAKINI DISSANAYAKE is 18 and graduated from Baulkham Hills High School last year.

A talented singer, she has also won numerous spelling awards. iSavannah said as Youth Ambassador she would like to implement long-term solutions to issues such as youth mental health “and its underlying causes like domestic violence and bullying”.

She applied because: “(It’s) a great way to give back to the community because my family and I have gained so much from the community.”

TIAN YI WONG See, 15 from Rouse Hill High School, is a passionate musician who plays multiple instruments and hopes to become a palaeontologist in the future.

He is completing a Duke of Edinburgh award and is a volunteer at the local nursery, the library and in a youth choir.

“I wanted to be the Sydney Hills Youth Ambassador to ensure the opinions of all young people are considered.

“As a Youth Ambassador, I want to make sure the environment is a priority, …. I want to share stories about mental health and environmental hope and also help create new stories of hope.

RESHMI VINANYA NIRIELLA attends Pacific Hills Christian School and is an awardwinning artist who is a passionate volunteer who has supported several organisations and causes including The Lisa Harnam Foundation and it’s work with victims of domestic violence, and the Salvation Army.

“I’m passionate about working with underprivileged and disabled children,” she said.

“I have been fortunate enough to travel overseas and be part of teams that have aimed at helping people who are less fortunate in any way possible. “

The Mayor Michelle Byrne said: “The standard of this year’s applicants was very impressive and it has inspired us to find ways of engaging more youth,” Mayor Byrne said.

“We want them to have input on issues that matter to them and their community, in order to create viable solutions for the future of The Hills.”

She also thanked the 2018-2019 youth ambassadors, Jessica Peake and Jude Ahmad, for “stepping up and making a difference” in The Hills Shire.

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