Not many teens can confidently say they're an agent of change, but Cobden's Willoughby Perriss is a cut above the rest.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
When he's not studying or working at the local pool, the 19-year-old volunteers as a first-responder, community advocate and change-maker.
He's one of the youngest members of the Progressing Cobden group and also a member of the local fire brigade. In December 2022, he was one of three Victorians chosen to attend the Australian Olympic Change-Maker summit in Canberra.
But Mr Perriss said he wasn't after the accolades, he "just wanted to give back".
"It was just how I was raised," he said.
"I've been volunteering for about three years, it's what I was taught from a young age. It comes back to family values.
"I've gotten a lot out of being involved in the community so I feel like I've got that force behind me to make sure I give back more than I'm taking."
Mr Perriss was Cobden Technical School captain and Student Representative Council leader in 2022. In mid-2022, he led the Push-Up Challenge at his school, which raised more than $3000 for mental health awareness.
The act propelled him to be named Corangamite Shire Young Citizen of the Year last year.
IN OTHER NEWS
- Police arrest Melbourne man suspected of loitering outside Moyne Shire school
- Family violence incidents on the rise in south-west, data reveals
- Woman charged with unlawful assault and behave in a riotous manner
- Push for another $4m revamp of Warrnambool's Lake Pertobe
- Nick Hider reflects on 2003 Maskell Medal win and career
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Tap here to open our Google News page
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport
- Facebook group
- Subscribe
