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Gawler youth proves community service is state of mind

Regional

Elijah Hobby has spent years giving back in the Gawler community of Hewett, creating a safe space for those living with mental health and disability.

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When the 21-year-old was told he’d won the Young Citizen of the Year Award for 2022, his immediate response was “why me?”

But occupational therapist Joanne Robertson had no qualms about nominating the young man who volunteers at the Kingfisher Inclusive Hewett Centre Café where she works.

“Elijah is an outstanding young man who has overcome many challenges in his life to become a contributing and valued member of society,” Robertson said.

“He is always willing to lend a hand and this attitude has led him to volunteer within the therapy groups I run.”

The centre and café assist people who face barriers to gaining employment and struggle with mental health and disability.

Having been diagnosed with autism back in 2018, helping others to feel safe and giving them a space to learn and socialize became important to Elijah.

Elijah explains that being diagnosed with autism has helped him to understand himself more and why he does certain things.

“I do have challenges when it comes to my autism, one being my social skills,” Elijah said.

“By this I mean I struggle to talk to people that I don’t know, and I sometimes struggle with big crowds as they can become overwhelming.”

Elijah also has a condition called Keratoconus that impacts his vision, making reading difficult.

“I struggle to read small writing and sometimes need help reading things such as books and the newspaper,” Elijah said.

Robertson said she really enjoys working with Elijah, as he is kind, patient and accommodating to the people within her group sessions.

“He assists those with dementia and helps them feel included especially when they are non-verbal and want to communicate with other participants,” Robertson said.

She said that autism and a visual impairment does not hold Elijah back from giving his time and energy to others.

“He is a pleasure to be around, and I am honoured to have him assist me several times a week.” Robertson said.

Bill O’Brien, the mayor of Light Regional Council, attended the awards night at Government House and watched Elijah give his acceptance speech

“I felt so proud for him, and it almost brought tears to my eyes,” Mayor O’Brien said.

Elijah said he was terribly nervous on the night, but appreciates he was awarded such praise.

“It felt like I was on stage for way longer than I actually was and I was sweating a bit, but it makes me feel good to know that I’ve been recognized for my accomplishments,” Elijah said.

This is a Creative Commons story from The Lead South Australia, a news service providing stories about innovation in South Australia. Please feel free to use the story in any form of media. The story sources are linked in with the copy and all contacts are willing to talk further about the story. Copied to Clipboard

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