CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms DOYLE (Aston) (09:57): It is a privilege to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Tilly Aston Outstanding Young Achiever Award. The Tilley Aston Community Awards shine a light on the remarkable people who make the Aston community such a wonderful place to live. Our nominees represent many schools, clubs, organisations and community groups that create opportunities, support others and help people thrive.

Named after Matilda 'Tilly' Aston, a pioneering disability advocate who fought for greater rights and opportunities for blind Australians, these awards celebrate people who demonstrate determination, courage, empathy and a commitment to others. This year we had an exceptional group of finalists for the Outstanding Young Achiever Award. They had contributed through sport, education, volunteering, leadership, mentoring and community service.

I congratulate every one of them. I am delighted to announce that this year we have two winners, Pia Sharma and Lachlan Sefton. Pia is an exceptional young person with a genuine desire to support and encourage others.

For three years she has coached gymnastics twice a week, mentoring children aged four to 13. She has volunteered at Smart Oz Kids, led a children's youth group through her church and tutored young children at Kumon. Pia has also demonstrated outstanding academic potential, receiving the University of Melbourne's prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program award and completing her bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Perhaps most inspiring is Pia's resilience in overcoming significant personal challenges. Her willingness to share her experiences has become a source of hope for other young people, offering empathy, encouragement and reassurance when they face struggles of their own. Our second winner, Lachlan Sefton, is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through confidence, determination and a willingness to contribute.

At Urban College, Boronia, Lachlan has thrived, embracing challenges with self-belief and bringing an infectious smile to school each day. He is an active member of the student representative council and consistently arrives early to help prepare the school breakfast club, showing his commitment to making a difference in the lives of his fellow students. His contribution extends well beyond the school gates.

Lachlan volunteers with Backpacks 4 VIC Kids, a charity providing clothing for children in out-of-home care and also gives his time to the CFA. Lachlan's achievements demonstrate that everyone has something valuable to offer their community and that living with autism and an intellectual disability does not define what a person can accomplish. Pia and Lachlan remind us that being a young leader is not just about personal success; it is about lifting others up and making your community stronger.

Congratulations to both very deserving winners.