A community-minded Dunsborough teenager has been recognised with a WA Young Achiever Award nod.
Ben Garcia was nominated for the Masonic Care WA - Freemasons WA Community Service and Volunteering Award.
Ben was nominated by Smiths Beach Surf Life Saving Club training director Leanne Verhoeff.
She said he was a reliable and consistent contributor to the club.
“He is extremely good natured and demonstrates a leadership style to our cadet and younger child members, which in turn, to those adults around him, is an inspiration,” she said.
“Without volunteers like Ben, fulfilling the vision and values of the club would be so much more demanding.”
The award applauds young individuals who have made an outstanding contribution and have positively impacted the lives of others and their community.
Nominees are community service workers or young volunteers who, through exceptional leadership demonstrate initiative beyond what is expected of them.
Ben has completed his Surf Rescue Certification and is now in the process of obtaining his Bronze Medallion, two awards that permit him to serve the club and the community as a Surf Life Saver.
Ben is also involved in community events, volunteering for the Busselton Jetty Swim, Full and Half Ironman and Sunday patrols at Smiths Beach.
The Year 10 Georgiana Molloy Anglican School student said it was amazing feeling to be nominated.
“I’m just stoked to know that people have noticed what I’ve done but I never thought in my life that I’d be nominated for something like this for just helping out,” he said.
“I just enjoy doing things for people, if there is an event going on I can never not do it – I always want to be involved.”
Ms Verhoeff said Ben was very respected within the club and known for his infectious enthusiasm.
”Ben is definitely not volunteering for praise, he genuinely loves what Surf Club represents, and is always first to put his hand up for future training,” she said.
“For such a young man the responsibility involved in looking after the local children and adults at the beach is huge but he takes it in his stride.”
WA Young Achiever Awards night will be held in Perth on May 26.
