Disability advocate Matthew Etherington wins Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year

Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year Matthew Etherington is proof that an individual can make have a lasting impact.

Matthew Etherington received the award for Young Achiever of the Year. Picture: PATRICK GEE

A HOBART man who has helped empower lives of the disadvantaged through sport and taught more than 300 students about mental health awareness has been named Tasmania’s Young Achiever of the Year.

Matthew Etherington, 23, of Sandy Bay was announced as the overall winner at the Young Achiever Awards on Friday night after earlier taking out the St.LukesHealth Healthier Communities Award — one of nine award categories.

Mr Etherington was recognised for his work with disabled and disadvantaged community members through a range of initiatives.

He pioneered the Mental Health First Aid University of Tasmania program that has helped 330 university students develop a greater understanding about the effects of mental health conditions.

He also helped promote healthier communities through the Big Issue Community Street Soccer Program, which uses sport to empower and improve lives.

He is a national Youth Health Forum member and Head of Welfare at UN Youth and the Tasmanian Youth Local Government.

Mr Etherington also spearheaded the organising committee of the Red Cross Social Connectedness Summit during Mental Health Week 2018.

The award completes a successful 12 months after he was in January named the City of Hobart’s Young Citizen of the Year.

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But the former Taroona High School student said personal accolades mean little compared with the collective social achievements that all the young award winners on the night have provided for Tasmania.

“Even though there are things to despair about at the moment, you can see these young individual leaders are making a difference, and it proves one person can,” he said.

“It’s pretty mind-blowing [the award win], I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be the representative of the community groups that I’ve been a part of. I’ve really enjoyed sharing stories about the mental health training and soccer program.

“The award provides me with the chance to send a good message to the world and to keep developing these programs going forward. I’d love to take the Mental Aid First Aid Program into colleges and high schools.”

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