Christian Rose of St Edward’s College, East Gosford, was one of 26 NSW high school students to be honoured last week with an award for exceptional service or engagement with their local community or to Australia in general.
Awards were presented to the young people on Friday, September 2, by Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, Andrew Bell.
The citation for the Year 12 St Edward’s College student said Christian exemplifies the virtues of service, compassion and peace, with a commendable commitment to social justice and community.
He has been a Life Member and Youth Committee representative for Central Coast Ugnay Kabayan since 2019.
The Filipino-Australian group delivers programs dealing with social justice issues such as low-cost accommodation and anti-domestic violence advocacy support, especially for women and youth.
His contributions include providing technical assistance, participation at cultural festivals and promotion of future events.
Christian, who moved to Australia from The Philippines at the age of seven, said the group’s primary focus was to stop domestic violence against women.
“I am very proud to be Filipino and interested to learn about our culture,” he said.
“My family has been involved with the group since we moved to Australia and I have been involved especially in the cultural programs – dancing, helping set up for events and offering technical help wherever I can.”
His citation said his focused and consistent support has been invaluable for people settling into a new life in Australia.
He has also been actively involved as a basketball coach on the Central Coast since 2018, mentoring young people, especially new players, at a personal and skills level.
“I’ve been involved in basketball since I was a toddler,” he said.
“My sister used to play rep basketball and I wanted to support players from primary and high schools.”
Working with the independent basketball competition, The Higgins Crew, Christian helps multi-cultural players feel welcome and develop their skills.
He has also been a voluntary event and sports photographer at many community events and was a student leader at a school immersion experience to Walgett in 2021.
“The trip was organized by our social justice coordinator and teachers and we spent a few nights at Walgett,” he said.
“We learned a lot about Aboriginal culture and supported Walgett Primary School – our school raised enough money for a shed for their basketball equipment.
“I didn’t really have a clear knowledge of the Aboriginal culture and I learned a great deal – the children there had a lot of stories to tell.
“One had been abandoned by their parents, one’s house had flooded and they had nowhere to live.”
Christian has also participated strongly in the 2 billion Km’s to Safety advocacy and fundraising program over the past few years.
The program supports refugees and displaced people around the world.
Christian, 18, plans a career involving creative content.
“Ever since I was in primary school I have loved photography and making videos,” he said.
Students across the state were nominated by their school principal as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final recipients.
The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Chairman, Jim Mein, congratulated the students saying they were exemplary community role models.
“None of the students sought recognition for their actions, but we honour them with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students,” Mein said.
Terry Collins
Excellent coverage. Thank you Terry Collins, CCN.