Micheala Collins: 2012 Youth Volunteer

On 5 December 2012, Micheala Collins was named the 2012 Youth Volunteer of the Year for NSW.

Micheala volunteers as a Junior Leader for the Blayney Star Girl Guides by planning, running and organising activities for girls aged 5-11. These activities aim at teaching the girls skills they can use in their everyday lives that empower them to be confident, self-respecting and responsible community members.

Micheala has been volunteering as a Junior Leader for the last three years, but her volunteering efforts go far beyond this. Before becoming a Junior Leader, Micheala was a Guide Helper for three years and has volunteered for many community activities including Clean Up Australia Day and Red Shield Appeal over the past 10 years.

“The ability to give back to the community and see how the littlest thing can make the biggest difference to someone’s life is what motivates me to volunteer.

“My most memorable volunteer experience is seeing the bright smile and pride of a girl when she rose to her own challenge and stood up in front of all her peers and parents to speak about why she enjoyed Guiding. Knowing she has gone from barely being able to speak with a peer to being able to speak to a whole room of people and knowing I had in some way helped her achieve this was very rewarding.

“Volunteering allows you to make a difference, no matter how small, to the lives of others.”

Micheala volunteers with Girl Guides and is the 2012 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Keep up with all the latest Awards news on the Awards page on our website.