Tara Murray
Two of Brimbank’s brightest young stars have been recognised at the Brimbank council citizen of the year awards.
Devika Chaudhary and Haylee Bissett were named joint young citizens of the year for their volunteer work.
Devika is involved in a number of community groups with her roles including being an IPC Health Youth Ambassador, a member of the Women of Brimbank group and a volunteer of the Victoria University Volunteering Program.
During the pandemic, she also organised COVIDSafe events for local women, to keep them feeling connected and supported.
Devika said her focus was on making the community better.
“I was actually not expecting it at all, especially when I came here as there were so many good nominees,” she said after the awards,
“Getting it is such an honour, I’m so happy.”
Devika got into volunteering after seeing the work her mum Poonam Singh had done. Ms Singh was nominated as a finalist of the Brimbank citizen of the year award.
“Usually when it comes to volunteer work you don’t get a lot of recognition despite the difference you have made,” she said.
“So when you get something like this it motivates you even more.
“The small differences make a big impact, some don’t go noticed but there’s a ripple effect.”
Haylee got her award for her work in advocating on issues affecting young people.
At her Sunshine College North Campus school, Haylee is a peer support leader who supports students to transition to secondary school life.
She’s the school’s Beacon Ambassador and she is passionate about supporting other students and young people who are part of the autism and LGBTIQIA+ communities. Haylee has been involved with Brimbank youth magazine ‘The Bold Source’ .
“Honestly it was a big shock,” she said.
“Congratulations to the other winner, she absolutely deserves it with everything that she does
“It’s great, but I couldn’t be here without the Bold Source team that have supported me. My team has been my backbone in doing this.”
