When I received the call from Mayor Margaret O'Rourke in January 2019, I distinctly remember asking her multiple times whether she had the right person.

I was shocked and surprised that anyone thought I had done enough to be nominated and then to be bestowed such recognition.

From the moment I was announced with Citizen of the Year Kevin Cail, I decided to grasp the role with both and hands, to learn, and do all that I could to promote the power of communities, and of young people within them.

Across this year I had the privilege of being in attendance to welcome more than 200 new Australian citizens at citizenship ceremonies.

I'll never forget the smiles on their faces, and witnessing how much this final step means to them.

It was also wonderful to be there as Dai Gum Loong was unveiled at Bendigo Airport, and take a trip through the streets in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade at Easter.

In particular, however, I've loved getting out and being part of celebrations focused on and led by young people.

It was great to connect with Bendigo Youth Council members, the Bendigo Writers Festival's anthology written by young people, speak and march at Bendigo's Schools Strike for Climate - organised by our young people, host the community debutante ball in the Dai Gum San precinct, continue my involvement with Bendigo Youth Choir and Golden Square Kindergarten, and speak with students and community members at many schools and groups such as Bendigo Volunteer Resource centre.

What all of these showed me is we have incredibly hardworking, dedicated and passionate young people, and organisations who support them, right here in Bendigo - who are making a difference and want to see our society become a better place. Their - our, voices are so important to our world.

One of the greatest moments of this year has been working alongside the incredible Kev Cail - Mr Kamarooka - and learning about the commitment of him, and indeed the Kamarooka community and rural communities in general, to preserve halls and reserves as vital meeting places.

Many have heard me remark that I didn't know where Kamarooka was before I became Young Citizen of the Year - and so this year I had the pleasure of visiting on numerous occasions and have Kev show me around. I particularly enjoyed attending the Kamarooka Family Picnic in October.

We have a great advocate for rural areas in Kev, and I'm thrilled to have formed a wonderful friendship with him and his wife Bev, and Kamarooka, during the year.

Coinciding with my role, this year I became Youth Ambassador for Bendigo Foodshare, who assist in distributing food to 12,400 locals each week, which is collected from supermarkets, to ensure every person can live their best life.

Being new to the organisation, it's been a pleasure and real eye-opener learning about the work Foodshare volunteers undertake.

Some highlights for me included spending time at schools explaining Foodshare, being part of the Million Meals in May campaign, heading out on food recovery runs and being involved in researching how to reduce youth food poverty in the city.

I'm looking forward to continuing my ambassadorship this year and learning more.

It's been great this year to spread the positive work of volunteers at Golden Square Pool, and in 2020 I'm looking forward to continuing my presidency of the organisation.

Our pool has transformed our suburb, and has become a true community hub where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to catchup, learn new swimming and life skills, look after their health and wellbeing and enjoy the beauty that community, the outdoors and the local swimming pool has to offer.

This year has been more than I could ever have imagined.

All the knowledge I've gained and experiences I've had.

It's been an honour to represent Bendigo's young people and broader community.

Never did I expect to receive recognition for simply giving back to the community I love and that's done so much for me.

I thank the person who nominated me, the people who have embraced me in the role and invited me to learn more about their communities and all those who have supported me not only this year, but every single day.

It's been a wonderful ride and one I'll never, ever forget.