Moving around from town to town with military postings helped instill something deep in the Hargan family.
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As mother of three, Lynda Hargan told The Post, she and husband Dave always encouraged their children to give back to each community.
That spirit landed their daughter, Charlotte, with a Youth Citizen of the Year award at Goulburn's Australia Day celebrations on Tuesday.
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The 17-year-old Goulburn Youth Council Mayor was unable to attend the ceremony due to her acceptance into the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. There she is studying a three-year Bachelor of Engineering degree through the University of NSW which will be followed by four years of Air Force training.
Her brother, Will, also a former Youth Council member, accepted the Australia Day honour on her behalf.
Miss Hargan was recognised for her "passionate advocacy for Goulburn, youth leadership and empowerment, and youth mental health."
As mayor she successfully promoted the city to host the 2021 Youth Council conference and ensured that businesses could derive an economic benefit. In addition, she has worked tirelessly to diversify and boost numbers on the Youth Council.
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Mrs Hargan said her daughter joined the group at age 12 and nominated for mayor three years ago when her sister, Maggie, stepped down from the role.
During her term, she attended the YMCA Youth Parliament in Canberra and proposed a bill asking that teachers undertake mental health first aid.
The Youth Council and all the Hargan children were also involved in Headspace Goulburn's formation, giving input into its future shape.
"We need to support our young people with metal health because they are the most vulnerable," Charlotte told The Post last year.
"We really need to work on [mental health] as a community - breaking down the stigma and support young people."
Mrs Hargan said the family moved around extensively with her husband's Naval postings. They moved to the Tarago district in 2007 and later spent three years in New Zealand before shifting back permanently in 2014.
"I'm a Defence Force 'brat' myself so we've learnt to give back to each town and not be complacent about what's around us. We tell our kids that if they don't like something, don't complain but take steps to change it," she said.
All family members are Rural Fire Service volunteers.
The Youth Council under Charlotte's leadership and the mentorship of Cr Carol James has had input into construction of the skate park, adventure playground, aquatic centre and performing arts centre. It also hosted Meet the (state election) Candidates.
Members also participated in community events like Relay for Life and Walk for Hope.
Will encouraged people to get involved in the Youth Council.
"It's not necessarily about achieving the big things," he said.
"Even if you can do little things to help people, overall you will have a stronger community...At the end of the day it's about empowering youth and instilling in them that their vote matters."
Mrs Hargan said her daughter would be chuffed with the award but she was proud of all three.
"All we've ever asked is for them to be able to look us in the eyes and tell us they've achieved their best," she said.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
