Mornington Peninsula Shire has announced its 2023 Australia Day Local Awards winners.
A big congratulations to D5 Swimmer Josh Berry for being named the “Young Citizen of the Year”
About Young Citizen of the Year recipient – Josh Berry
Josh is being recognised for his project called ‘Two Pairs Each’ which focuses on helping homeless people.
His aim is to collect 50,000 pairs of socks so every one of the 23,000 homeless people in Victoria can have two pairs each.
He started the project at 9 and a half years old and is now 17. Over the last seven years, Josh has collected and given over 39,000 pairs of brand-new socks and has engaged donors and business partners.
Through this program Josh educates members of the community on the facts and issues surrounding homelessness to put a human face on a growing social issue.
Josh is involved in other community areas and activities, such as: the Junior Fire Brigade, Sailability (supporting people living with disability to sail), and Air Force Cadets.
His leadership shows what one citizen can do with a small idea to impact many.