Simon Rathbone has been named Young Citizen of the Year in the 2020 Bundaberg Regional Council Australia Day Awards.
Simon considers himself just an ordinary young man, but he has done extraordinary things to help make Bundaberg Region a better place for everyone and Queensland, Australia and the world a better place for all.
After completing Year 12 at Shalom College in 2018, Simon worked as a “Gappie” Teacher’s Assistant at Shalom last year.
Apart from giving outstanding service to all students he has worked with, he has gone far beyond the call of duty, giving many volunteer hours each week throughout the broader community in a wide range of sports, as well as countless college and community events and organisations.
Simon Rathbone gives his all
Whether it’s travelling to remote indigenous communities, or being a driving force in local charity events like Relay for Life, Cane 2 Coral or 40 Hour Famine, Simon always gives his all.
Recently, Simon has done much to fundraise for mental health and suicide prevention organisations, including participating in the Lifeline Out of the Shadows and Into the Light Walks and fundraising for RUOK Days and Headspace.
Simon continues to give great service to the community in many areas and everyone in need. Simon epitomises sportsmanship and is a wonderful role model for all youth.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said whether it’s travelling to remote indigenous communities, or being a driving force in local charity events like Relay for Life, Cane 2 Coral or 40 Hour Famine, Simon Rathbone always gives 100 per cent.
“Our Young Citizen of the Year Simon Rathbone shows the type of volunteers coming through the ranks now and giving time, whether it be from sporting activities to Relay for Life to all the other different charities,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“It’s young people like Simon who make our community one of the best giving communities in the whole of Australia.”
An honour to be recognised
Simon Rathbone said it was an honour to be recognised at the Australia Day Awards ceremony.
“It’s fantastic, especially considering all the amazing work so many other young people do,” Simon said.
“I couldn’t have achieved anything without a really strong support network guiding me along the way and providing opportunities for me to branch out and give back to a community that has given me so much.
“I have been fortunate enough to be taught and mentored by some incredible people over the years and I think this award really recognises the time and effort they have put into making me the person I am today.”
Simon has some words of wisdom to those looking at helping in the community.
“My advice would be to always look to help out wherever you can,” he said.
“By giving back even in the smallest way, you will meet new people and build yourself a sense of community.”
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