Youth Leadership Award winner Donna-Joe Newman tells Jennifer Pittorino about her work with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and how she feels about being named among Maribyrnong council’s Civic Award winners in the Youth Leadership Award category.
Can you tell us your name and job title?
My name is Donna-Joe Newman but I prefer to go by DJ. I am currently working at McDonald’s where I have been working for the past two years.
Tell us a bit about you and what you do?
I am 19 years old. I graduated VM (vocational major) last year and I am currently taking a gap year so I can focus on working at my part-time job while trying to attend Western Bulldogs Community Foundation programs. After the year I am looking to do a child care course or a community services course.
Tell us about how you feel about being awarded in the civic awards?
I am extremely grateful and honoured to be able to be awarded the youth leadership award. When I heard that I was nominated I was extremely shocked as I was not expecting it at all, until that moment I never knew what the civic awards were.
What does this mean to you?
This means a lot to me as I feel I like I have made a good impression on the people around me, by not giving up and attending these programs which I enjoy doing and by encouraging others to do the same.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong or Hobsons Bay?
My connection to Maribyrnong is that it has a place I have grown up for the last 19 years. I have attended attended primary school and high school here. It is also a place I have enjoyed learning the past history of to be able to get a better understanding and knowledge of the place I call home.
What do you like about where you live?
I like how well connected my neighbourhood is and how me and my family can rely on our neighbours. We can ask them for help because of how friendly and understanding everyone truly is. I also like how I am extremely lucky to be able to live in close proximity to the things that can help me stay connected to my community.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I wouldn’t really change anything as there are fantastic memories and fantastic neighbours where I live.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My favourite local place to spend time is at the park close to my house. It is a great place to sit relax and read or have a great time with family. I also like the Sunshine Library as it is such a lovely place to sit and complete work in a calming and relaxing environment.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
When you first meet me I am an extremely shy person but after a little bit of time I become this person that nobody would expect to see. My family members and close friends would describe me to be extremely bubbly and humorous and on the wild/silly side.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I am extremely grateful to Hannah and Maggie from the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation for nominating me for such a fantastic opportunity, as well as thank you to my mum and family for supporting me. Another thing I would add is to not give up on the things you want your future to look like no matter what is thrown at you.
