Australia Day Award

Jaden is pictured with Shire President, Mark McKenzie

Jaden Willis—who has recently finished year 12—won the Young Citizen of the Year award at the recent Australia Day Awards in Merredin. The awards are run by Auspire, the Australia Day Council of WA, which gives local governments the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and outstanding contributions of people who make a difference in their community.

Jaden was recognised for: his leadership role at school; annually volunteering for Disabled Surfer’s Association South West enabling people with a range of disabilities to experience surfing; raising money personally for Guide Dogs WA over several years; and being a councillor for our Seventh-day Adventist Church Junior Summer Camp.

He is also a strong supporter of The Blue Tree Project which raises awareness and promotes the importance of mental health. At school he organised a very successful free-dress fundraiser for The Blue Tree Project and was also responsible for the painting of a blue tree at Merredin College.