In September, I was having dinner with the team from Project Everyone in New York, celebrating a successful Global Goals Week.
I received a phone call from an Australian number and asked to be excused. I stepped onto West 14th Street and dialled back. A woman answered the phone and introduced herself from the Chief Minister’s office. I had not only been nominated for Young Australian of the Year but had made it to the next round as a Finalist.
I couldn’t believe it.
She gave me some information about the next steps. I went back up to the dinner and told Kate Garvey, Project Everyone co-founder, what had just happened. She was thrilled and shared the news with the rest of the team. But the reality hadn’t set in just yet.
On the 20th of last month, the announcement was made public.
Last night, I was honoured to attend the ceremony and meet the rest of the finalists. It was fantastic to be in the presence of such inspirational people and discuss the work we all do.
The following finalists were announced as winners in their respective categories:
We look forward to working with each of the ACT recipients and other recipients from around the country.
While I unfortunately missed out on making it to the next round, I am incredibly honoured and most humbled to know that the work of the Global Goals Australia Campaign was considered as being this inspiring. I am proud to have made it from 16,000 applicants down to the final four for my category in the ACT.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Robbie Merritt, who nominated me and who has been a massive support of the campaign. I would also like to thank Daniel Raihani, the Chairperson of the Global Goals Australia board, who is just as deserving of this nomination as I am. I would also like to thank my parents, my brother, my extended family and friends for everything they have done to support me. And of course the AMAZING team we have here at Global Goals Australia! None of this would have been possible without you!
This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.