She is one of the most inspirational teenagers in the Clarence Valley, a passionate advocate and proud representative of her local community, and now, 14-year-old Mae Carroll is our 2022 Clarence Valley Young Citizen of the Year. 

After previously participating in the 2020 NSW Children’s Week Parliament where she spoke about raising awareness of mental health issues on a national level and being appointed to the 2021-2022 Youth Advisory Council, Miss Carroll proudly represented her local community again last year as a 2021 Junior Jacaranda Queen candidate.

Describing her nomination and receiving the award on Australia Day as very overwhelming and emotional, Miss Carroll said she loves living in the Clarence Valley and having the opportunity to be a representative of her local community.

“It’s important to make sure that everyone feels like they’re being represented and included, and I guess my favourite thing about being able to represent my community is knowing that I can help make a difference for people,” she said.

In the next 12 months, Miss Carroll said she is focusing on becoming more involved with community activities and leadership roles and continuing to represent the Clarence Valley at the NSW Children’s Parliament and Youth Advisory Council.

“I want to continue to help make my community better,” she said proudly.