Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Sian Williams is a very determined eight-year-old young lady in my electorate who has overcome personal adversity and is an inspiration to other young people. As a six-year-old, Sian was the victim of bullying because of a stutter in her speech. Instead of allowing it to consume her, she bravely decided to seek a proactive solution to the wider problem presented by bullying. With the support of her mother, Azelene Williams, Sian founded Kidzucate, an incorporated non-profit charity organisation which began with Sian producing and starring in educational videos on YouTube to teach kids how to develop confidence and self-esteem. The videos were a big hit and began to have a positive impact on children. Encouraged, the mother and daughter team began to run educational programs at local schools and community centres. The organisation is making innovative use of social media and a network of ambassadors to spread information and the anti-bullying message.

Sian was recently awarded the 2014 Pride of Australia Young Leader Medal for Western Australia. She was also the youngest delegate in the world to receive a human rights award, which was presented to her at the 2014 Youth for Human Rights summit in Brussels, Belgium. This year, Sian was named as a finalist in the Constable Care Child Safety Awards for 2015. On behalf of the parliament, I congratulate Sian Williams. (Time expired)