Nicole Bagatsing says that she enjoys volunteering because it helps her to make friends, use her time meaningfully and learn new skills.
She has been announced as this month’s One Wyndham recipient for this month.
The council award recognises residents aged between 12 and 25 who contribute to the community and are role models to other young people.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich described Nicole as “a leader in Wyndham’s youth space” who “works tirelessly to raise awareness around the issues young people care about”.
Nicole said that receiving the One Wyndham award “is a privilege and I’m very grateful for it”.
“I first moved to Wyndham when I was 16, to be given an award from the council is an honour,” she said.
Nicole said she started volunteering during high school, as a tutor at a Wyndham primary school.
“I’m the type of person who finds meaning and fulfilment through experiences,” she said.
“I also love meeting new friends who are passionate about contributing positively to the community.
“Interacting with people from different walks of life has made my life more meaningful.”
Nicole has a diverse range of volunteer experience under her belt, and she was recently accepted as a board member for the Connection Arts Space and Community organisation.
“I’ve also signed myself up to becoming a camp leader for Edmund Rice Camps Victoria,” she said.
“My other community involvements include being a volunteer for Pedro & Corazon Yaneza Wellness Society and Give a Textbook Foundation, both of which I’ve collected book donations for.”
As well, Nicole spent a month representing Australia as an adult leader with international peace organisation CISV, helping a group of 11-year olds learn about peace through global friendship at a camp.
Nicole, who just completed a certificate III in Auslan, will commence studying at Victoria University next semester.
“My dream is to become a lawyer,” she said.
“I’d want to work in human rights and ideally in a community legal centre.
“I see myself working in a community legal centre because I’d like to give access to people from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Nicole said her advice to other young people, who want to make a difference in the community, is to volunteer for a variety of causes and organisations.
“Once you try out new things you learn what you’re passionate about and you learn which skills you have plus which ones you’d like to learn,” she said.
“Making a difference can be as simple volunteering after school hours, on the weekend or on occasional fortnights.”
For more information about One Wyndham Youth Services, see: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/youth-services/awards-competitions/one-wyndham
