It is this that has seen them named Eaglehawk’s Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year respectively by the Eaglehawk Australia Day Committee.

Both have been active members of the community, giving time and energy to the people of the area through their many and varied activities.

Ms Hasty has taught Sunday school and youth groups, and has also provided ministry to the elderly at nursing homes and retirement villages.

After the Black Saturday bushfires, Ms Hasty formed the Our Place Minstrel, a singing group that participates in Canterbury Carols and Australia Day celebrations, as well as at retirement homes and St Peter’s Salt Works for disadvantaged people.

She is also responsible for co-ordinating a drama club at the Our Place centre, and through such activities, has had a significant involvement with helping disadvantaged and marginalised people in the area.

Her energy extends to the sporting field, being a member of the Bendigo Hockey Association.

Ms Hasty has represented Eaglehawk in the masters hockey at the Commonwealth Games, represented the region in Masters Games, Teachers Games and Pan Pacific Games, and represented Australia at the World Masters Games.

Jennipher was part of Eaglehawk Secondary College’s leadership team last year, responsible for running school assemblies, and has been on the school’s student representative council.

In her time at the school, the 16-year-old has coached and mentored younger students, been a part of the 3556 magazine committee, and been a senior community leader.

Jennipher has represented the school in sport and participated in leadership events, including the Youth Action Group forum and the Bendigo Youth Summit, and was a member of the Bendigo Youth Advisory Group. 

Her talents extend to the stage, with roles in school productions, and she was also a member of the Golden City Brass Band.

Jennipher is also a naval cadet and sells Legacy badges.

She hopes to continue on to a career in the Navy, and is also interested in studying law.