Bombala’s Australia Day celebrations on 23 January 2021 will feature Sydney community advocate and youth leader HY William Chan. A first-generation Australian, William was inducted into the Australian of the Year Honour Roll last year in the Young Australian of the Year category.
A strong theme across William’s voluntary activities is the speed at which he goes from simply participating to leading and acting on his vision for a better world. In his recent role as UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, William represented the voices of children and youth, speaking up for human rights for a fair Australia that protects and supports every child.
He has been involved in nationwide consultations and engagement with diverse and under-represented young people. His co-authored report with UNICEF championed the views of over 2000 Aussie kids as part of the country’s official submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva. In 2018, William was invited to launch the historic UN Youth 2030 Strategy alongside the UN Secretary General at the General Assembly in New York on behalf of Australian youth leaders.
A volunteer surf lifesaver with Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, William is passionate in creating more inclusive and diverse communities. As one of country’s top lifesavers, William graduated from Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Leadership College in 2020. He has been involved in the NSW Beach to Bush outreach program, educating primary school students from regional and rural areas on surf safety.
“Young people are at the heart of our local regional communities and it’s no different in Bombala and the wider Snowy Monaro region. Overcoming the recent droughts and bushfires is a testament of Bombala’s resilience and fortitude,” says William.
“For me, Australia Day is about celebrating unity. More importantly, it’s about safeguarding a sustainable future for the next generation of Aussies who will one day be our community leaders here.”
Bombala’s Australia Day celebrations will be held on 19 January 2021 at Bombala Exhibition Ground, Wellington Street. HY William Chan will deliver the Australia Day Address at the Wool & Wood Festival and present the Citizen of the Year Awards. William is hosted by the Bombala Australia Day Committee and the Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
