By Toby Robinson
My name is Toby, and I am 14 years old. Most people my age are thinking about school, sport, or what they’re doing on the weekend, but I spend a lot of my time thinking about people in my community who don’t have a safe place to sleep. Helping people who are experiencing homelessness has become a big part of who I am.
When I was named Young Citizen of the Year 2026, people congratulated me like I’d done something extraordinary, but to me, helping others has never felt special; it’s just something that feels right.
One of the main ways I help is by volunteering with the Rotary Hervey Bay ZBus, a local service that supports people who are homeless. I volunteer with them every week, helping provide a safe place where people can rest and feel supported. Being part of the ZBus has shown me how important consistency is. Just showing up, listening, and treating people with respect can make a real difference, even if it doesn’t always feel like a big action at the time.
I’m also part of the ZBus committee, where I help with fundraising and decision-making to keep the service running. Being involved at this level has taught me a lot about responsibility and teamwork, especially when the ZBus was at risk of closing down. Working with others to raise funds and find solutions helped make sure the service could continue supporting the people who rely on it. Knowing I played a part in keeping the ZBus going is something I’m really proud of.
Volunteering with the ZBus has changed the way I see my community. I’ve learned that homelessness doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that people’s stories are often more complicated than they first appear. Spending time on the Bus has helped me understand how important dignity and connection are, and that sometimes listening is just as valuable as providing practical help.
My motivation to help others is also deeply personal. I lost my brother in a car accident, and that experience changed the way I see the world. It showed me how fragile life can be, and how much small acts of kindness matter, especially when people are going through difficult times. Helping others has become a way for me to honour his memory and to make sure kindness and compassion continue, even after loss.
Balancing school, sports and volunteering isn’t always easy, but it has taught me commitment and perseverance. Winning Young Citizen of the Year has encouraged me to keep going and to use my voice to raise awareness about homelessness. I hope my story shows that you don’t have to be older, louder, or more experienced to make a difference.
Kindness doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be consistent.