A Casey mother who transformed personal tragedy into a powerful campaign to protect other children has been named La Trobe Citizen of the Year at an Australia Day ceremony.
Norliah Syer-Peterson received the award at Officer Public Hall on January 26, recognised for her tireless advocacy to raise awareness of meningococcal B disease following the sudden death of her 16-year-old son, Levi.
Hon Jason Wood MP said Australia Day was about recognising extraordinary contributions at a local level, not just nationally.
“Someone (Norliah) has gone through the most awful situation possibly in life and come out and helped other people,” he said before presenting the award.
“Today is basically my way of thanking those receiving awards, for what they have done for our local community in La Trobe.”
Ms Syer-Peterson said the recognition meant a great deal, but her work was far from finished.
“This award means everything to me,” she said.
“I’ll continue to do everything for Levi, and all of Levi’s friends.”
Levi, whom his mother described as a “beautiful, active, healthy” student who loved life, died suddenly in September last year after contracting meningococcal B.
In the face of unimaginable grief, the primary school teacher and respected community member has become a strong public advocate for greater awareness of meningococcal B and for improved access to the vaccine.
Meningococcal disease kills five to ten per cent of those infected and leaves up to 20 per cent of survivors with long-term impacts, including brain injury, hearing loss and learning difficulties.
While Victorian schools provide the MenACWY vaccine to Year 10 students, it does not protect against meningococcal B, leaving many young people vulnerable.
Ms Syer-Peterson’s advocacy through public speaking, media engagement and meetings with decision-makers has helped push the issue into the political spotlight ahead of the 2026 state election.
During a recent parliamentary sitting, the state government confirmed the chief health officer has been asked to review the need for a localised meningococcal B vaccine, as pressure mounts with the opposition committing to make the vaccine free.
A petition started by Levi’s friends calling for the meningococcal B vaccine to be made free has attracted more than 40,000 signatures and was delivered to Victorian Parliament in December.
Levi’s friends were among those attending the awards ceremony – a presence Ms Syer-Peterson said reflected her son’s character.
“The way they have supported me is just a reflection of Levi,” she said. “Levi would be proud of all of us.”
She also thanked her family for supporting her through what she described as a “rollercoaster ride”.
“It’s not easy,” she said. “But I’m going to do this for Levi.”
