Simon Evans, 20, was awarded with Young Citizen of the Year at the 2026 Rotary Kyabram Australia Day Celebrations.
He got an inkling that he may have been nominated for an award when his mum began asking him questions about his volunteering.
It was later revealed his friend’s mum, Renee Pichler, had been the one to put him forward for the award.
What he didn’t expect, however, was for his name to be called as the Young Citizen of the Year.
“It means a lot to me — I wasn’t expecting it at all,” he said.
Mr Evans has emerged as an exceptional young volunteer, dedicating countless hours to supporting his community through various initiatives.
He actively contributes to the Living Waters youth group, where he plays drums in the youth band and assists with kids’ church on Sunday mornings.
Evans extends his volunteer work beyond the church, helping weekly at Kyabram P-12 College's breakfast club and supporting community church holiday programs and outreach activities.
He said the college’s chaplain, Liz Spicer, had been a valuable guide and influence in his time at school, inspiring him to continue with volunteering and giving back to the community even after he left school.
He is also involved in Messy Church at the Uniting Church and has taken on leadership roles at youth camps.
Mr Evans even recently completed volunteer work experience at Kyabram District Health Service, further demonstrating his dedication to community service.
To celebrate the award, Mr Evans said looked forward to enjoying the air conditioning and hanging out with his friends.
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