Young Citizen of the Year shares the highs of winning

When Angelique Hallett was first nominated for a Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award, she confessed to not knowing too much about them, but since being recognised for her outstanding achievements on the Sunshine Coast, she’s found doors are wide open and the award was very much just the beginning.

“Winning the Young Citizen of the Year award has created so many amazing opportunities for me, both personally and professionally,” Angelique said.

“I’ve become more confident, my business ‘Loving Hope Bears’ has been given a platform, and it was rewarding to be acknowledged for the work I have done.”

The business ‘Loving Hope Bears’ offers a touch of comfort to children, who have escaped domestic violence situations, by way of a teddy bear. Angelique is on a mission to ensure every child has something to cuddle through the good times and the bad.

Currently studying for her Year 12 exams, Angelique said since winning the Award, she had met a great network of professionals who wanted to share their time and experience to assist her.

“I went on to be nominated and win other awards including 7NEWS Young Achiever 'Create Change' QLD award and the Secondary Schools Citizenship Award 2021 QLD presented by The Order of Australia Association in Parliament House.

“I’ve been invited to many functions that have supported Loving Hope Bears with purchases and donations.

“I've also been given the amazing opportunity to feature in a book along with other inspirational women leaders. 

“Perhaps most importantly, this award has brought me a few steps closer to my long-term goal of providing all children across Australia living in Domestic Violence shelters with a teddy.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said Angelique embodied everything the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards are about.

“The Sunshine Coast Australia Day awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of members of our community to the social fabric of our region,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We all know inspirational people who go one step further to make the Sunshine Coast great and I encourage you to recognise and reward their efforts and achievements by nominating them for an award.”

Sunshine Coast Australia Day Award nominations close 6 December.  

Nominating is simple. Fill out a short online form in one of seven categories, provide 300 – 500 words that highlight your nominee’s achievements or contributions, and upload any documents to help the judges know they’re the one.

View current Sunshine Coast Australia Day winners at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au