Hailing from Merriwa, the newly-crowned Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year has been recognised for her leadership and various work within the community.

“I’m so honoured to have received this award; I have been very lucky to grow up in a community that encourages you to be your best and to get involved in a variety of groups,” she said.

As Merriwa Central School’s Student Representative Council (SRC) president and school captain, Elizabeth has proved to be a key ambassador at numerous events.

Throughout her school years, she has participated in debating, been a leader in the peer tutor program, and instigated a‘positive thinking’ campaign to promote mental health.

She would often voice her concern about other students who were going through difficult times.  

This led to the school hosting a ‘Week of Kindness’, where students and teachers were encouraged to  say and do kind things. It was reported to be a great success. 

Outside of school, she’s volunteered as a junior coach at Merriwa Little Athletics as well as being involved in the Merriwa Relay for Life, Merriwa Campdraft, Little Sprouts, and Festival of the Fleeces to raise money for various community groups. 

She believed it was the local community’s ability to work together that made Merriwa such a special place.

“My favourite thing about living in Merriwa is definitely the sense of community,” she said.

“I think that for a small rural town it is really important that everyone works well together and helps each other out, and Merriwa is definitely fantastic at that.

“I've been involved with Merriwa Little Athletics since I was three, and when I became old enough I gained my coaching accreditation. 

“My favourite thing is definitely watching the children become more confident in their own abilities.”

Currently residing in England, Elizabeth is eager to broaden her horizons even further once she gets back home.

“I'm working at a lovely primary school in Lincolnshire as a teacher’s aide,” she said.

“Friends of mine did this program a couple of years ago and had an amazing time so it seemed like a great opportunity and an interesting way to travel.

“Once I return to Australia I would like to attend Macquarie University and study a languages degree, as I studied Spanish in Year 11 and 12 and loved it.”