These words come from Taree’s Young Citizen of the Year Ben Williams in a Times interview late last year.

Yesterday Ben represented Biripi country through dance at the Sydney Opera House – this year he will complete his High School Certificate (HSC) whilst balancing his commitments as the 2017 Chatham High School captain and as a high achiever in basketball. 

But most of all – he will be an ambassador for what is possible when you are determined to succeed for not only yourself but your community. 

Yesterday I was honoured to stand on stage with the other Young Citizen of the Year nominees.

Chelsea Hands - the co-ordinator of the Manning Valley Community Garden in Wingham has turned personal pain, of debilitating endometriosis, into determination to raise the garden into a flourishing community space. 

Chelsea has attracted many new faces to the garden through volunteer groups and fundraiser Groovin in the Gardens. 

Baxter Pattison – received the highest ATAR at the Taree Christian College in the HSC, he is a champion rower, a Manning Youth Action Team volunteer and was a finalist in the Taree Lions Club Youth of the Year award where he delivered a heart-rending speech about the people and events that have been inspirational in shaping his life.

And I, have the good fortune of writing news about the Manning Valley as well as volunteering with events like the Taree Show, Wingham Akoostik Festival, TasteFest and Grow Your Own music festival. 

So why do we do it? Why do we balance so many commitments? 

It’s because in Ben’s words – we feel we can make a difference in our community and we can. As youth, we have the energy to work hard. We also have the skills, in developing fresh ideas and a knowledge of technology and social media to propel these ideas to a greater audience.

People listen to us and they are inspired when we get in and have a go. 

I think collectively the Young Citizen of the Year nominees can agree what we do is not for ourselves but for the community. 

Achieving for yourself is great, but achieving for others changes communities.