Governor of NSW Awards Local High School Students

Source: Governor of New South Wales

Her Excellency General, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, as Patron of The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch, has presented four local students with a Community Service Award for exceptional service or engagement with their local community, or to Australia in general.

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Bodie Fenwick-Mulcahy and Noah Worrall from Kotara High School; Scarlett Smith from Lambton High School and Khuslen Batmandakh from Merewether High School were among 25 students who participated in an investiture presentation at Government House. Award recipients also received a trophy and certificate of commendation from the Governor.

Conducted by the Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch, students across the state were nominated by their school principal as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final Award recipients.

Service ranges from local initiatives such as education, health and welfare for disadvantaged or underprivileged communities, to international initiatives in a host of community development activities such as education, health, sanitation and infrastructure projects. The Award is not for academic nor sporting achievements.

North Coast awardees are:

Bodie Fenwick-Mulcahy – Kotara High School: Brodie is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and social justice. Living with low vision, he has raised thousands for humanitarian causes, led peer education, spoken nationally on accessibility, and inspired community action through campaigns and volunteering. As a Guide Dogs NSW/ACT ambassador, he uses his lived experience to change perceptions and champion equity.

Noah Worrall – Kotara High School: Noah is a compassionate young leader dedicated to service through surf lifesaving, Air Force Cadets, sport, and creative outreach. With perfect patrol attendance and leadership as a Cadet Under Officer, he mentors, volunteers, and inspires with humility, resilience, and civic pride, embodying integrity and generosity.

Scarlett Smith – Lambton High School: Scarlett is a cultural leader and youth advocate dedicated to revitalising culture, empowering young women, and amplifying Aboriginal voices. As Junior AECG President, she drives workshops, performances, and policy forums. Recognised through NAIDOC and Nanga Mai nominations, she leads with humility, strength, and purpose.

Khuslen Batmandakh – Merewether High School: Khuslen is a visionary leader driving humanitarian, environmental, and global service. As her school’s Leo Club President, she created initiatives like The Book Nook and Love from Leos, growing membership and impact. Internationally, she leads literacy programs in Mongolia, serves in Youth Parliament, and inspires change through compassion, advocacy, and action.

Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch Award Convenor Dr Frank Kelleher OAM, congratulated the students, saying they are exemplary community role models.

“Brodie, Noah, Scarlett and Khuslen are among 25 students recognised today to have selflessly volunteered their time to a wide range of organisations and for many very worthy causes while busily preparing for their Higher School Certificates,” said Dr Kelleher.

“This year student nominees have again admirably demonstrated the sense of community commitment and service that had epitomised previous recipients of the Award.

“These students have contributed beyond the norm and their actions have inspired their fellow students. They are beacons of inspiration for others to follow,” he added.

“Scarlett, Brodie, Khuslen and Noah did not seek recognition for their actions, but we honour them with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students,” he said.

The Award was initiated by the late Dr John Lincoln AM, in 1992 and was Convened by him until his death in 2011, aged 95.

The 2025 Award judges were Ms Judy Gray OAM, Prof. Jim Pratley AM and Dr Gary Smith AM.

Further information: Dr Frank Kelleher OAM, Convenor, Youth Community Service Award, 0427 644 397