A dedication to helping teens affected by Brimbank’s extremely high child abuse rates has Angela Scarpaci in the running to become Victoria’s young achiever of the year.
Ms Scarpaci, a youth engagement worker at Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in St Albans, has been nominated for a community service and volunteering award after creating an advisory committee for young people aged 16-25 and organising events for disengaged youth.
One event at Taylors Hill Youth Centre attracted almost 150 people, including 88 students from five schools, police officers and members of parliament.
The 22-year-old Keilor Downs resident said drugs, a lack of resources and programs, teenage pregnancy and child abuse were among the north-west’s biggest problems.
“An extremely high percentage of the youths I help have been victims of a form of child abuse,” Ms Scarpaci said.
“Drug use in the west is on the rise in the past two years, as is teenage pregnancy because of the lack of sexual education
from both parents and the school environment.’’
The Victorian young achiever awards recognise and reward the achievements of Victorians up to the age of 28.
Winners, who will receive a $2000 prize and trophy, will be announced at Etihad Stadium on May 9.
