Please note - this story discusses grief and suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76 for Aboriginal or Torres Straight peoples) for confidential, 24-hour crisis support.
Transforming personal grief into community action is a daunting endeavour for any person, but for inspiring young leader Audrey Reynolds, it was the only way forward.
As a result, she has been recognised by Ararat Rural City Council as Young Citizen of the Year.
At the heart of Audrey's recognition is her pivotal role in the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation's Youth Leadership Project.
Her involvement in this program unlocked leadership qualities she did not realise she had.
"When we had some of the kids from previous years share their experience with the Youth Leadership Program - that stood out to me," reflects Audrey.
“I saw it as an opportunity to build on different strengths and skills.”
That vision that certainly came to fruition.
As a part of the Youth Leadership Project, young people are encouraged to take on a Social Impact project in a field they are passionate about.
Some are plagued by indecision, caught between grand visions of what’s possible and the biting reality of what’s feasible.
For Audrey, the choice was clear; a support network for those who have had suicide impact their lives - inspired by her own personal loss and deep experience with grief.
This personal connection to the cause imbued her initiative with sincerity and purpose, offering a haven for those grappling with similar experiences.
"I've lost a family member to it... it's just something really, really horrible. You go through lots of different stages of grief," Audrey shared candidly.
The support group Audrey envisioned serves as a testament to her belief in the power of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.
By creating a space for open dialogue and mutual support, she aims to alleviate the isolation and despair often associated with grief.
"I thought that it would be good (for people) to have a little group so they don't feel as alone and have other people to talk to, that have also gone through that same experience," she explains.
Through this initiative, Audrey's empathetic leadership is clear, as well as her grass-roots approach to addressing a critical social issue.
Embodying the essence of peer-to-peer leadership, her advice is as simple as it is profound:
"Just take every opportunity that's given to you really because you never know the good that can come of it."
On the morning of Ararat’s award ceremony Audrey was swamped with nervousness.
In the end though, the common thread of her story pulled through - the tight-knit support of her family and the community that provided her with the strength to share her story.
As Audrey continues to inspire and lead by example, her message to other young people is clear: embrace opportunities, engage with your community, and believe in the power of your actions to make a difference.
Her journey, marked by dedication, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference in her community, shines brightly as an exemplar of youth empowerment and dedication to giving back to the local community.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76 for Aboriginal or Torres Straight peoples) for confidential, 24-hour crisis support.
