Williams Landing’s Deepshika Adhinarayanan has been named Wyndham’s Young Person of the Month for October.
The 17 year old has been honoured for her volunteering work and community service which includes working for the the Salvation Army, hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser for the Cancer Council and helping out disadvantaged children in the Student2Student reading program.
“It was really shocking, but it’s really a great privilege” said Deepshika of winning the award.
“I think this award encourages people to give back to the community so that’s a good thing.”
Giving back to the community is clearly not something Deepshika needs encouragement in.
Despite only arriving in Wyndham in 2019 after her family emigrated from India, the year 11 student at Mac Robertson Girls High School has thrown herself into a variety of causes, including those affecting Indigenous Australians.
“Me and my friends joined the RAP community at my school, the Reconciliation Action Plan, and that’s mainly focussed on making sure our school is taking Indigenous values into consideration and that they are woven into the school curriculum.”
Deepshika’s commitment to helping others has also shaped her future plans.
“I’m really interested in going into the medical field because that will put me into a position to have a greater impact.”
Young person of the month recipients are residents aged between 12 to 25 who positively contribute to the Wyndham community and are role models to other young people. Winners are awarded a $300 gift voucher of their choice and other prizes.
For more information go to: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/youth-services/awards-competitions/one-
wyndham.
Cade Lucas.
