Paying it forward is a constant pursuit for Freeman student Erica Chau.
Erica was among only 26 students in the state presented with a 2023 NSW Youth Community Service Award in honour of her mentoring, volunteer and advocacy efforts.
The awards are held annually by the NSW Branch of the Order of Australia Association and were presented by Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley at Government House on 7 September.
Erica’s award recognises her volunteer and fundraising efforts for charities including SaveAFox Rescue, which rescues and finds homes for captive-born animals that cannot be released into the wild.
“After witnessing the profound impacts of the community service of myself and other award recipients, I am highly inspired to continue to do more.” – Erica Chau
She also supports Share the Dignity, the Leukaemia Foundation and the White Ribbon Foundation, and is a volunteer mentor with the Big Sister Program.
Erica, in Year 12 at Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg Heights, said she felt it was important to share her time and skills.
“My true calling would be to use everything that I have, time and skills, to help others in their times of need so that they too can be inspired to help others,” she said.
“It creates a continuous chain of service to the world which is a tremendously significant thing.”