By Alesha Capone
Two community-minded young residents have been recognised by Wyndham council.
Phoebe Edwards and Alexander Dalton, who are both aged 17, have been awarded the council’s One Wyndham Young Person of the Month, for August and September respectively.
The award celebrates the accomplishments of Wyndham residents aged 12 to 25.
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan said that Phoebe has contributed to a large number of sustainability projects.
In addition to speaking at Melbourne Aquarium’s 2020 Virtual Youth Summit, Phoebe volunteers with the Werribee River Association, Melbourne Water and Keep Victoria Beautiful.
Phoebe, who in Year 12 at Wyndham Central College, said she applied for the One Wyndham award on the advice of a teacher.
Phoebe said her favourite part of volunteering with environmental groups, such as Beach Patrol 3030, was meeting other people who are doing good in the community.
Phoebe said she was “pretty shocked and flattered” to win the One Wyndham award “because there are a lot of kids out there doing great things”.
The teenager said she hopes to study marine and environmental science at university next year.
Alexander, who is in Year 11 at MacKillop College, is an LGBTI+ advocate.
“At just 17 years of age, Alexander has been tirelessly advocating for LGBTIQ+ awareness and social inclusion,” Cr Gilligan said.
“He has delivered a speech at the Midsumma Festival – one of Australia’s premier arts and cultural events – and spoken at forums organised by headspace, Orygen and Wyndham City.”
“At these forums Alexander has discussed his personal experiences as a transgender man who has suffered from mental illness.
“I wish Alexander well for all of his future endeavours, and hope he affects the positive societal changes he is seeking.”
Winners of the One Wyndham Young Person of Month Award receive a $200 gift voucher of their choice for materials that will assist in their education or work. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/onewyndham.
