The 17-year-old was this year named the Manning Valley’s Young Citizen of the Year and his vision for the area’s future is that one that continues to respect and celebrate its cultural history.

“I love my culture and I want to learn as much about it as I can, that’s why I dance – the movements tell a story,”  he said. 

“It sticks with you that connection to who you are.” 

Ben would like to see cultural programs in schools start earlier and for there to be a focus on language programs.

Ben said: “I attended an event with the Indigenous All Stars in Newcastle and we learnt about the percentages of Aboriginal students who finish year 12. The percentage really wasn’t good and I was touched by that. I want Aboriginal students to have a different perspective on school. Culture can be taught in so many different aspects of school English, history, maths, law, art and more. Learning about local culture could motivate people to come to class more and boost education”. 

Ben is completing year 12 at Chatham High School where he is also school captain for 2017. 

“I’m proud to be an Aboriginal school captain. I think it sends a good message to the Aboriginal students. I feel I can influence other students – a lot of the year sevens will come up to me and give me a high five. I want to help them not go in the wrong direction.” 

Ben was unable to attend the Australia Day awards ceremony in Taree because he danced at the NSW Government’s Australia Day Concert at the Sydney Opera House. 

“It was a really great atmosphere, everyone was cheering!” he said. 

Upon returning home his grandfather told him he had received the citizen award. 

Ben, who last year achieved a scholarship from Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets, said this recognition felt “different”.

“It felt like a higher level of achievement,” he said. 

Ben said because he travels so much with sports he loves returning home to the Manning Valley. 

“To me, it’s a peaceful place. In the city, it’s packed with people and it can be full on. But here there is my friends and family – it’s my comfort zone.”

Having danced with the Bangarra Dance Company, Ben aspires to join National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College. 

Ben is also an accomplished representative basketball player and now competes in men’s competitions. 

He thanks his mum, Glenda Russell, for everything she has sacrificed for him and his siblings. He said: “She sacrifices so much to travel us around”.