Mitchell’s young citizen gives back through culture, sport, and more

Jaxson Wyman is Mitchell’s Young Citizen of the Year. At just 12 years old he is a dedicated volunteer, active proponent of indigenous culture, and a keen sportsman.

Jaxson Wyman, Australia Day award recipient for Mitchell.

FAMILY is a huge inspiration for 12-year-old Jaxson Wyman.

Their support is what has encouraged him to play an active role in the Mitchell community through volunteering, sport, school, and sharing his indigenous culture by delivering welcome to country, playing the didgeridoo, speaking the local Gunggari language, and passing his knowledge on to his peers.

Jaxson’s dedication to his home town is what earned him the title Young Citizen of the year at the Mitchell Australia Day celebrations on Sunday.

Jaxson said he is chuffed with the recognition, after being nominated by his former school principal at St Patrick’s Catholic School – where he was also the first indigenous school captain.

Jaxson Wyman, winner of the cultural award for Mitchell, with his proud parents.

“I am very grateful for everyone around me, and particularly my last principal Mrs Stewart, who nominated me,” he said.

“I do these things in the community because of my family, and to carry on the indigenous life into everyday life.”On the morning of the awards ceremony, Jaxson’s parents and extended family were in the audience to see him honoured, and dad Brendan Wyman couldn’t be more proud of his son.

“He has done so well,” Mr Wyman said.

“I’m a strong believer in our culture, and my own background is Bidjara; we are still practising our culture, and when I get a chance to take Jaxson out on country, we go.

“At this time in our society, it is important we continue our cultural practises … thousands of years ago we would come together for song and dance, and that is still continuing today.

“The fact that Jaxson has picked up the Gunggari language and continues the traditions makes me so proud.”

Australia Day award medals belonging to Aunty Leah Wyman and Jaxson Wyman.

Jaxson isn’t the first person in his family to receive an Australia Day award, that title belongs to his Aunty Leah Wyman, who received her award in the 1990s.

“I won mine in Tennant Creek, in the Northern Territory, for contribution to sports,” Ms Wyman said.

“Jaxson is following on from my contribution to community activities, and to see him do everything makes me extremely proud too.”

Jaxson Wyman with his aunty Leah Wyman, who previously won an Australia Day award for contributions to sport.

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