2024 South Gippsland Young Citizen of the Year

Born in Warragul and raised in Pakenham, Laila Witeveen is a celebrated addition to the South Gippsland community.

Last year we recognised her astounding accomplishments as a highly decorated Gippsland Girl Guide at the 2024 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards ceremony.  Her story as a Girl Guide begins at the ripe age of seven when the extra circular activity of dance wasn’t really filling her cup. Her mother, being a social worker, suggested joining the Girl Guides and from that moment Laila hasn’t looked back. 

We sat down with Laila at the Leongatha Library last week to hear about her experience as the 2024 nominee for South Gippsland’s Young Citizen of the Year. A confident young woman with the word at her feet, Laila is set out to empower the next generation of Gippsland Girl Guides. 

Starting off as a Rainbow Girl Guide at Pakenham, Laila was inspired by her leader, Wattle. For context, Girl Guide leaders are given names symbolic of native Australian flora and fauna. Leaving Wattle to come to South Gippsland was a challenge, however, her support and outgoing character instilled a passion and desire for Laila to continue her Girl Guide journey. 

Girl Guides Australia say that “recognition is so much more than just badges or awards, it is about the journey and satisfaction of challenging yourself.” 

We asked Laila what specific achievements or project she is most proud of, and without hesitation she said her BP award. The BP award stands for the Baden-Powell award and is a peak achievement for any Girl Guide. It takes great commitment and dedication to self-development and is said to be the “most memorable and exciting challenge in a Guiding life”.

The award requires Guides to complete both indoor and outdoor activities, coordinate overnight stays, as well as volunteer at a number of organisations and events. Laila volunteered her time to support Clean Up Australia, ANZAC services, Greatest Morning Tea for Cancer Council, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the World Wildlife Fund. It takes Guides anywhere from two to six years to complete and for Laila to be recognised for this award at the age of (age?) is a remarkable achievement. 

When asking Laila what motivates her to continue volunteering at such a young age, she tells us it’s the opportunity she gets to be a positive role model for young girls. “I don’t know what people’s home lives are like, but I do know that I have the platform to provide our girls with a with a safe encouraging environment and I can guide them as they continue to grow into strong impactful women.” Laila is now Girl Guide Leader and goes by the name Lilly Pilly. Fitting as it is a native plant often associated with creativity, intuition and reflection, something that came across quiet naturally in her interview. 

When Laila heard the news of her nomination, she was ecstatic - “Insane” was her word of choice when finding out that she had been nominated while driving on her learners to build up the hours. Humbly, Laila didn’t think she had a chance, but the joy in her voice highlighted the appreciation she felt to have been recognised for her work. 
She told us that “nominating others for awards like the Australia Day Awards is crucial because it empowers and uplifts the nominees”. She continued to share that the nomination instils a sense of pride and accomplishment. The recognition not only makes the individual feel valued but also encourages them to share their knowledge and experiences with the broader community, fostering growth and improvement for everyone involved. 

If you know a young person who volunteers or contributes significantly to our community, please consider nominating them for the Australia Day Awards. It’s a simple two-step process, and the recognition can make a meaningful impact on their lives and inspire others. Your nomination could be the encouragement they need to continue their valuable work.