Young advocate a community hero

YOUTH and disability advocate Gabriel Gervasoni has been recognised for his contributions to Ballarat, and beyond, with an Australia Community Achievement Award.

Mr Gervasoni was awarded the Community Hero honour at a ceremony at the Sofitel Melbourne earlier in the month.

Within the Ballarat Youth Ambassador Program and Central Highlands Youth Advisory Board, Mr Gervasoni works to make the area a better place for young people.

He also has a vision impairment, and passion for standing up for equal access for people with a disability.

“It shows that those who are legally blind, or people with a disability in general, can achieve the things that people without a disability can achieve,” he said.

“I’d like to think that the award will help boost my advocacy work, and I was completely honoured to win it.”

The Australia Community Achievement Award isn’t Mr Gervasoni first honour. In 2021 he was Ballarat’s Young Citizen of the Year.

He’s contributed to the YDAS Emerging Young Leaders Program, YMCA Youth Parliament, is a PTech ambassador encouraging students to explore STEM pathways, and is working with the City to improve sustainable practices and the green habits of young people.

He’s also member of the Vision Australia Further Education Bursary selection panel and participated in the YAC Vic Young Advocates Program.

“Gabriel has made submissions to the Royal Commission into Disability and the TAFE Access Inquiry by the Victorian Parliament,” mum Amanda Gervasoni said.

“He has also completed accessibility audits at Sovereign Hill and the Gold Museum with his recommendations being implemented.

“Gabriel created a tutorial on how to use the voice over function on iPhone for Vision Australia which is being used nationally.

“As one of the organisers of the Spring in the Park… festivals, Gabriel was able to ensure that Ballarat had free, completely accessible community functions that were a safe space for people of all ages and abilities to attend.

“The many awards that he has received have allowed him to raise the profile of young people living with a disability in his regional community and their valuable contribution to society, as has his various radio, podcast, print media and online news interviews.”