Rachael Davies doesn’t subscribe to the notion that young people should be seen and not heard – she’d rather speak up for those who can’t.
The year 12 St Monica’s College student was awarded the VCE leadership award last month from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority for her engagement and commitment to Whittlesea.
Rachael, 17, said her passion for community comes from observing her surroundings and a desire for change.
She joined the Multifaith Multicultural Youth Network group two years ago to help advise the state government on issues facing young people from multicultural backgrounds.
She said her particular focus is on media stereotyping, how youth from various backgrounds are misrepresented, facing racism and discrimination as a result.
Rachael is also Whittlesea Young Citizen of the Year, awarded for her work raising awareness about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. And she spent three weeks at a youth leadership program in America last year discussing environmental issues.
“It’s important that young people have the knowledge and tools to become educated citizens, who think about the world in a more critical and open-minded way,” Rachael said.
Wendy Chew, from the Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship office, said it was fitting that Rachael is recognised for her achievements.
“Rachael has used her knowledge and experience as a young woman growing up in an increasingly diverse community to help others understand what it means to be different,” Ms Chew said.
