Community and Compassion
The 2025 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding young leaders making a difference, from a dedicated Casino community volunteer to a group of Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, students who supported education initiatives in Timor-Leste. (26 January 2025)
The 2025 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate young people making a meaningful impact in their communities. This year’s nominees include individuals dedicated to both local and global service, demonstrating outstanding leadership, generosity, and community spirit.
St Mary’s Catholic College, Casino, student Stella Dean has played a vital role in the Casino community, actively supporting The Lions Club, representing the region as Teen Showgirl and Beef Week Ambassador, and coaching young athletes in representative netball.
‘To be acknowledged for what I love to do is very rewarding. I encourage everyone to give back and be part of our wonderful community,’ said Stella.
A group of sixteen Year 11 students from Xavier Catholic College, Ballina, has been nominated for their global outreach through an immersion program to Timor-Leste. In September 2024, they visited Our Lady of Fatima High School in Turiscai, raising $8,000 beforehand to fund classrooms, a toilet block, and new computers. Their efforts helped strengthen education opportunities for local students while fostering cultural understanding.
During their time in Timor-Leste, the students taught classes, provided essential materials, and met with government ministers to discuss youth support initiatives.
‘These students recognised the opportunity to use their resources, education, and skills to assist those in less fortunate circumstances,’ said teachers Jessica Ferris, Sarina McPherson, and Glenn Smith.
Both nominations highlight the incredible ways young people are contributing to their communities, whether at home or abroad. Their dedication to service, leadership, and social responsibility embodies the spirit of the Young Citizen of the Year Award, inspiring others to take action and make a difference.
