Two Central Coast students have received special awards for exceptional service for engagement with their local community, or Australia in general.
Joshua Judd from St Edward’s College, East Gosford, and Lachlan Middlemiss from St Philip’s Christian College, Gosford, each received a Youth Community Service Award from Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley as Patron of The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch.
Joshua and Lachlan were two of 26 students who participated in an investiture presentation with the Governor on Thursday, September 7, with award recipients also receiving a trophy and certificate of commendation from the Governor.
Students across the state were nominated by their school principals as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final award recipients.
Joshua’s citation said he was a “remarkable student who has demonstrated exceptional personal commitment by completing more than 100 hours of community service every year from 2018 to 2023, while studying at St Edward’s College”.
“He first became involved in 2018 with a local charity, Coast Shelter, taking regular shifts cooking and serving meals for the homeless and those sleeping rough,” the citation said.
“He also joined Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club as a volunteer surf lifesaver and is now a Certificated First Aid provider.
“Joshua recognises the importance of caring for the elderly and committed considerable personal time to visiting nursing home residents in 2018 and 2019, demonstrating compassion and empathy towards the residents through his companionship and genuine care.
“He respects the value of intergenerational connections and their positive impacts on both the residents and the wider community.
“Joshua has also been an active member of the Social Justice Portfolio, utilising his leadership skills and passion for social justice to organise and participate in various initiatives.
“His involvement in this important group has been instrumental in raising awareness about social issues and promoting positive change within the school and the wider community”.
Lachlan’s citation said the Year 12 student is the current College Vice-Captain and leads the Student Prefect Team.
“In 2022 he received the Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship, joining a small group on an intensive study tour of significant military sites across Australia,” the citation said.
“This led to speaking engagements to politicians, students, staff and the general public, raising awareness of the sacrifices of those who served our country.
“In 2023 he was selected to represent the Central Coast as a member of the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce, with a focus on the Framework pillars of work readiness, wellbeing, connectivity and community.
“A major focus has been funding opportunities for youth support, including an audit of current funding, a review of funding guidelines, inclusion of youth in decision making, information and education opportunities, strategies for e-safety material distribution and developing Life Skills programs for schools.
“Lachlan also led a fundraising event for Samaritan’s Purse, supporting medical teams in Syria and Turkiye following earthquakes.
“He is also a member of the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee for First Nations people.”
Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch Chairman, Jim Mein, said Joshua and Lachlan were exemplary community role models.
“Joshua and Lachlan are two of 26 high school students recognised to have selflessly volunteered their time to a wide range of organisations and for many very worthy causes while busily preparing for their Higher School Certificates,” he said.
“The judges noted that this year’s cohort of students demonstrated exceptional community service.
“Joshua and Lachlan have contributed beyond the norm and their actions have inspired their fellow students.
“Joshua and Lachlan are beacons of inspiration for others to follow.
“(They) did not seek recognition for their actions, but we honour them with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students.”
The Award was initiated by the late Dr John Lincoln in 1992 and was convened by him until his death in 2011, aged 95.
Source:
Prism Strategic Communications