Whilst she is unsure who nominated her in the first place, Miss Navaneethan is at the heart of the community she has called home since she was five.

"Over the past few years I have always tried to make many different connections throughout the community and I have always wanted to build upon these relationships and make a change for the better in our rural town," Miss Navaneethan said.

"Whenever I had the opportunity to go to the city or more metropolitan areas I realised there were plenty of things that really needed to be changed and improved in our community, things that I want to help achieve for the people of Griffith."

As part of her desire to better the community, Mrs Navaneethan reached to local organisations such as Meals on Wheels, Soroptimists International, Air Force Cadets and the Rotary Club of Griffith Avanti just to name a few where she volunteered her time, energy and ideas.

"I have enjoyed every single moment working with all these different community groups and organisations as through them I have been able to create positive changes within our community as well as spark new ideas for younger generations to see through," Miss Navaneethan said.

"By volunteering you not only learn about yourself but you build connections which really is at the heart of it all."

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According to Miss Navaneethan, her hope for the future was to continue volunteering with groups local to Griffith and beyond.

"I want to continue volunteering as long as I can and build connections in towns outside of Griffith as well," Miss Navaneethan said.

"I just feel so humbled and appreciative to be recognised in such a way.

"Any young people in our community I really would just encourage to volunteer your time and energy to all the wonderful organisations and community groups we have in our great city."

The Australia Day Nominations for 2021 are as follows:

Citizen of the Year

Community Project of the Year

Environmental Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year

Young Sportsperson of the Year

Sports Team of the Year

The winner of each category for those with more than one nomination will be announced at at official ceremony at Griffith Regional Theatre commencing 10am on January 26.

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