Going out on the road and meeting people in Mallee is one of the joys of my job as a Member of Parliament.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Manangatang’s Alannah Taylor, who is this year’s Swan Hill Rural City Council Young Citizen Of The Year.

And what an impressive young woman Alannah is.

Serving her community has been instilled in her since birth through her father and long-time volunteer Stephen, but Alannah herself is a real go-getter.

She has participated in the Relay For Life in Swan Hill, sells raffle tickets for the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal and volunteers at Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events as well as the famous Manangatang Races.

All of this was while she completed her own schooling, Alannah really goes the extra mile for her community.

Last year she was School Captain of Manangatang P-12 College, a sign of how well she is regarded by her peers.

It is the young people of Australia such as Alannah who give hope for our country’s future.

We have always been a country built on hard work and honest effort, and Alannah exemplifies that.

I take this opportunity in the chamber to acknowledge Alannah and her work for her community, I know she will continue to be a shining example for the youth of today right across Australia.