At just 18, Eliza Owen from Cockatoo has already saved lives, rebuilt hope, and inspired a community.
Last night, the Cardinia Shire Council recognised her extraordinary efforts, naming her Young Citizen of the Year for her tireless volunteering with the Emerald SES and CFA.
Eliza’s journey in community service began long before her teens.
From a young age, she supported logistics and welfare during major storms – even when her own family home was destroyed.
Officially joining SES at 15, she quickly became a trusted team member, assisting with storm response, flood recovery, landslides and community engagement.
Her calm leadership during the February 2024 storm, where she played a critical role in a rescue operation under extreme pressure, demonstrates her resilience and professionalism.
In addition to her SES work, Eliza has earned a five-year CFA service award and is recognised as a youth leader in both Emerald and Cockatoo.
She achieved all this while completing her VCE and navigating the personal trauma of losing her family home during the 2021 storms.
The 2021 storms caused a massive pine tree to crash onto their home, trapping her, her mother, and sister until the SES rescued them.
After years of quietly serving her community, Eliza was surprised and humbled to receive the Young Citizen of the Year award.
“So much of the work we do happens behind the scenes and you don’t expect others to see,” she said.
“This recognition means a lot because it shows the community understands and appreciates the effort you put in.”
Eliza thanked her parents and mentors for introducing her to the volunteering community and the opportunities it provided.
“It has been enjoyable. It’s like another family,” she said.
“Having gone through hard times myself, it’s rewarding to help others and I hope to continue. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen said “Eliza’s strength, positivity, and commitment make her an inspiring role model for young people.”
