Autism sufferer Holley Somerville-Knott a force for change

JAZZ singing autism sufferer Holley Somerville-Knott is only 12, but has been changing the world for years.

JAZZ singing autism sufferer Holley Somerville-Knott is only 12, but has been changing the world for years.

Holley has been invited to speak at an event in England next year alongside the Prince of Wales, the Dalai Lama and Al Gore. The Year 6 Lennox Head student started the Stardust Foundation four years ago — a charity designed to promote heath and wellness while helping people, animals and a planet in need.

What started as a school project has gone global and has earned the passionate youngster a Pride of Australia Environment Medal nomination. “I love nature and all life,’’ Holley said.

Holley Somerville-Knott’s charitable efforts have resulted in a nomination for the Pride of Australia Environment Medal.

“I was diagnosed with autism, kidney disorder and viral asthma, things were pretty tough and then my sister was born with the same conditions — but we received help and I gradually became better.

“But out of all of this I learnt that people are kind and people help each other and I decided I wanted to help too!”

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Holley was named the Government Green Globe Award for youth sustainability Champion, has been on a HBO New York environmental series and is part of the Uplift Connect movement.

She started The Global Care Project when she was just five, after noticing kids bullying each other, littering and generally not caring.

“I went to my teacher and told her I wanted to have a day where everyone cared about each other and the earth — I called it ‘Care a Lot Day’,” she said.

“Then last year I decided to take this global and changed it to The Global Care Project — I am building it into a huge project to inspire others to care about the planet, each other and themselves.

“Every school or organisation that joins will get their own ‘care factor’ page — they

participate in social justice issues, and raise awareness and funds for whatever issue they like to help, upload pictures and videos of the events they hold.”

Holley is about to launch an Indigigo crowd funding campaign to help fund the movement, with Miranda Kerr’s Mum Therese as an ambassador.

“Even though I’m a kid it goes to show you can make a difference to your own life and others, which is very important to me.”

To nominate someone you know for a Pride of Australia Award, visit prideofaustralia.com.au