Youthful Success
The spirit of volunteering shone bright at Government House last week (2nd September) when 26 NSW teenagers and five locals received The Order of Australia Association NSW’s Youth Community Service Award.
Chairman Jim Mein said the Year 12 students are: “a beacon of inspiration for others to follow”.
OLIVIA HANNA Gilroy Catholic College, Castle Hill
Olivia welcomes new families during Year 7 Orientation days. She also prepares and delivers food to the homeless community via the Vinnies Van, collects donated items to make up and deliver Christmas hampers and supports women and children living in Women’s refuges. Olivia also organises school collections of toys and clothing for the Smith Family and food drives when needed. She volunteers at St Gabriel’s and fundraises for numerous causes. She has also promoted RU OK Day, to support students struggling with mental health, Jersey Day, White Ribbon Day and Ukraine Day.
EDWARD HAYEK Bede Polding College, South Windsor
Edward was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in 2006. In his treatment and recovery journey, he and his family were supported by the Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF). The staff at CTF helped him manage feelings of isolation and uncertainty by connecting him with other sufferers of all ages, especially adults living with NF1.
He is now an ambassador for CTF and is an acclaimed guest speaker at NF fundraisers and at NSW Parliament House and Westmead Children’s Hospital. The National CTF Support Coordinator says Edward is an inspiration, using his own experiences, learning and resilience to raise awareness and improve the lives of all confronted by NF1.
CHRISTIAN MAAIT Marian Catholic College, Kenthurst
Christian has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the school’s Return and Earn recycling program to raise funds for the charitable works of St Vincent de Paul.
He is ‘giving back’ to the community through support for Caritas Australia and has also been actively involved in the NSW Youth Earthcare Summit. He has worked intensively on the Platypus In Situ Program, which is investigating opportunities for sustainable change to local river systems to re-create platypus habitat and foster their return.
THOMAS SAHLIEH Kellyville High School, Kellyville
Thomas has helped run several fundraisers for both his local and school communities. He leads the Environmental Group at school running Clean Up Australia Day’ and investigating the installation of solar panels at the school. He and his family have donated gifts to the residents in Quaker’s Hillside Nursing Home, recognising the isolation they may feel.
