A Worimi man who completed a 4,500km journey from Western Australia to Newcastle raising funds to improve Indigenous literacy has been selected as Newcastle's Citizen of the Year 2025.
Twenty-three-year-old Bailey Myers received the award at City of Newcastle's Citizen of the Year ceremony today for his solo walk in March 2024, which spanned almost six months and raised nearly $16,000 in donations.
Image caption: From L-R Khuslen Batmandakh, Dr. Helen English, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Evelyn Collins and Bailey Myers accept their award at City of Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards ceremony. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge praised Bailey's endurance and strength, saying his efforts have demonstrated true leadership for all communities.
"Mr Myers embodies the values of the Citizen of the Year title. His inspirational walk should be a reminder to us all of the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can have in creating positive change," Cr Kerridge said.
"His journey is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of supporting Indigenous voices and education."
Inspired by his parents who are both teachers, Bailey said supporting the Indigenous Literacy Foundation was an easy choice as providing academic support to First Nations communities, particularly in remote areas is crucial.
"Literacy is fundamental, and I want to do my part to support Indigenous stories and education. I want to inspire young people, especially those who have faced disadvantage, they've seen the worst life can throw at them which means they can also do the most," Mr Myers said.
"I'm proud to be a Worimi man, and this journey was about more than just the walk, it was about connecting to Country, honouring my ancestors, and giving back to my community. It's an honour to be recognised by my peers and it's something I'll always be proud of."
Donations were made online through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation website, with additional contributions from generous individuals Bailey met along his journey.
Making his way across the country, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, decorated with the handprints of students from his former high school, Callaghan College Waratah.
Beginning his journey in Perth, he navigated highways, dirt roads, and the vast Nullarbor Plain, camping on roadsides along the way before completing the trek in his hometown of Newcastle.
City of Newcastle also recognised other outstanding community members as part of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named Young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy and community engagement.
After learning her neighbourhood of Jesmond had one of the lowest literacy rates in the country, the high school student established the book nook at her local shopping centre, providing access to free books for local families.
Khuslen continues to launch initiatives through the Leos Club at Merewether High School, including the 'Love from Leos' program to connect isolated aged care residents with young people and championing Bus Driver Recognition Day by organising care packs for drivers.
Citizen of the year award winners with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, CN councillors and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp.The Senior Citizen of the Year title was awarded to Evelyn Collins, a clinical nurse deeply committed to the welfare of patients with Parkinson's disease. In her own time, Evelyn will regularly travel from Newcastle to Sydney to accompany patients through surgery.
She has played a key role in establishing and continues to coordinate essential services for the Hunter region including the Hunter Deep Brain Stimulation service and DBS support group.
The Community Group of the Year was awarded to The Unforgettables Dementia Choir, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Co-founder Dr Helen English says music has great power to trigger memory and foster social connection.
The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.
In addition to their weekly gatherings, the group also host an afternoon tea during the week, offering another opportunity to connect and support one another in a relaxed setting.
City of Newcastle's annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of extraordinary Novocastrians over the past year.
