Kara Johnson has lived in Horsham her whole life. In return, she has given her absolute all to improve her home town community.

Miss Johnson works at Wimmera Uniting Care as an intake worker, helping people that may be struggling in the initial phase of homelessness.

She is also a proud ambassador for the Horsham Volleyball Association.

“Kara is passionate about volleyball and has helped to grow and strengthen the Horsham Volleyball Association, particularly with the development of younger female members through the association’s academy program,” Horsham mayor Pam Clarke said.

Miss Johnson said she had no idea she had even been nominated for the award. 

“I had a missed call from Pam and I thought I was in trouble,” she said. 

“But I gave her a call back and she told me that I had been selected as the Young Citizen of the Year. 

“It means a lot to win this award and the more people that I speak about it too the more I probably realise how big it is.” 

Miss Johnson will speak at the Australia Day celebrations at Sawyer Park in Horsham. 

She said she hoped to continue her work with the volleyball association. 

“Dave Berry is a huge part of why I am very involved in volleyball today. He believed in me from when I was very young,” she said. 

“He is someone that has a lot of faith in me. 

“And from a work perspective, everyone is very supportive and helpful. They push me to do things that I probably don’t think I could do.” 

Miss Johnson said young people should surround themselves with good mentors that can push them to heights they otherwise did not think possible. 

“Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people that believe in you,” she said.