Tara Murray
Sunshine West’s Rhiannon Mustapic wanted to give back to a program that had done so much for her.
Ms Mustapic came through the Youth Insearch Program when she was younger and decided she wanted to become a leader in the program to help others.
She has been recognised for that work, named as a finalist in the The Southside Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Community Hero Award.
The award acknowledges everyday people doing extraordinary things within their local communities.
Ms Mustapic said she was honoured to be named a finalist.
“I was really surprised to be named one,” she said. “I was nominated last year, but wasn’t named as a finalist.
“I feel very honoured to do what I do with the youth. There are a lot of volunteers putting in a lot of time and effort.”
The Youth Insearch Program is young people helping young people and runs workshops and support groups across three states.
Ms Mustapic said the program changed her life.
“This definitely holds close to home as I know a lot of people who have been through the program and I want to be able to connect to other young people and give back to them.”
She said it had been difficult the 12 months with the group having to take much of the program online.
Ms Mustapic said she would love to run some of the workshops in the coming years, while long term would love the opportunity to be able to work for the organisation.
