Ms Wilson, 16, was among seven Murray River Council Australia Day award recipients on January 26, on the back of services to local sporting clubs and youth advocacy groups.
“My first thought was that there were a lot of people who deserve it as well, there were a few people in the group project I thought definitely deserved it,” she said.
“I’m really flattered, I think it’s an amazing opportunity.
“I don’t celebrate Australia Day as Australia Day, so I have to isolate the award from the day itself, which is a bit difficult.’’
She told The Riv she did not really know who nominated her.
“I’ve been trying to figure it out,” she said.
“I’d like to thank my family for all their support, 2021 was a really big year, but I’m hoping 2022 is even bigger.”
Murray River councillor Tom Weyrich said Australia Day was a proud day for the community.
“To the young people out there, Dotti’s award sends a signal to have a bit of a go,” Cr Weyrich said.
“It’s recognition of the effort she puts in. It is just great.”
Dottie has had her share of challenges, injured a few years ago before she was presented with an opportunity to become involved in Murray River Council projects.
“I was part of the youth engagement program with the Murray River Council. I haven’t had much to do with them lately, because everything slowed down as COVID sped up,” she said.
“But we organised some activities, with youth hubs in Moama, Moulamein, and a few other spots.
“They’re still being developed — those ideas — just as a place for kids to go to spend some time away, keeping them out of trouble and providing support.”
As for her involvement in the Community for Echuca Moama-led Dare to Dream project, which encompassed a far-reaching area, she said it allowed the participants to speak about subject they were passionate about.
“We’ve developed a video, which I think is launching next month, and we’re planning to do some bigger things with it to get it out as far as possible,” Dottie said.
“It’s us talking about our lives and experiences, ideas that we have and problems we see in the community.
“The main idea is to show it to people who have the power to make decisions.
“It talks about how youth aren’t really utilised in the community as much as we should be, and talks about our future.”
