Members of the Very Special Kids Youth Advisory Group celebrate their Young Achiever Award win.
When 18-year-old Grace Hall joined the Very Special Kids Youth Advisory Group, she was looking to connect with others who understood what it meant to grow up with a sibling who had a life-limiting condition.
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Now, three years later, the Numurkah teen and her peers are being recognised statewide for the work they’ve done.
The YAG took out the Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award at this year’s Seven News Young Achiever Awards.
Grace was at the May 9 ceremony in Melbourne when the win was announced.
“I was ecstatic, and in a little bit of disbelief,” she said.
“There were so many amazing groups nominated.
“I just remember jumping up and down with one of the other girls in the group — we were so excited.”
Grace’s younger sister, Charlotte, lives with an extremely rare genetic condition.
Growing up in regional Victoria, Grace often had to step up at home while her mum travelled to appointments in Shepparton or Melbourne.
“I didn’t get to see my mum a lot because she would always be running around, taking Charlotte to appointments,” Grace said.
“I’d have to stay with my nan and help look after my siblings so that mum could be with Charlotte and get her everything she needs.”
It was through a family support worker at Very Special Kids that Grace first learned about the YAG. Since then, she’s taken every opportunity to give back.
“I wanted to give back to the organisation that had helped my family so much,” she said.
The YAG, made up of 12 young people aged 14 to 25, provides peer support and helps shape Very Special Kids services.
Members have reworded a children’s Charter of Rights, advised on the new hospice design, and contributed to conferences and policy discussions.
Their work also helped inspire a younger sibling group for kids aged 8 to 13.
Grace said rural advocacy remained her focus.
Grace Hall found connection, purpose and recognition within the Very Special Kids Youth Advisory Group.
“A lot of the activities Very Special Kids offer are based in the metro region, so families like mine have to travel,” she said.
“I’d like to see a bit more of a reach out to make those programs more accessible to families who live far away.”
She and her fellow YAG members are currently fundraising for the upcoming 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge, which aims to raise $800,000 for Very Special Kids services.
While she’s not sure of what will come next, Grace said being recognised was rewarding in itself.
“It feels really nice to be recognised and to have that confirmation that we are having an effect on the wider community,” she said.
When asked what advice she’d give to other young people in similar situations, Grace didn’t hesitate.
“Take advantage of all the support that you’re offered,” she said.
“You never know who you’ll meet, and you don’t have to do it alone.”
