23-year-old Worimi man, Bailey Myers has been selected as Newcastle’s Citizen of the Year 2025 for his remarkable 4,500km solo journey across Australia to raise funds for Indigenous literacy.
Bailey completed the six-month trek from Western Australia to Newcastle in March 2024, raising almost $16,000 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation along the way. His journey was driven by his passion for education and supporting Indigenous communities. Inspired by his teacher parents, he sought to improve access to literacy resources for First Nations children, particularly in remote areas.
His determination and resilience throughout the arduous journey highlight the profound impact one person can have on a cause that matters.
Throughout his travels, Bailey pushed a homemade cart carrying his belongings, marked with handprints from students at Callaghan College Waratah, his former high school. Facing harsh terrain across highways, dirt roads, and the Nullarbor Plain, he camped roadside and relied on donations from generous strangers he met along the way. His arrival in Newcastle marked not just the completion of a physical challenge but a powerful statement on the importance of literacy and cultural connection.
The Citizen of the Year Awards also recognised other outstanding community members. Khuslen Batmandakh, 16, received Young Citizen of the Year for her work improving literacy in Jesmond through her Book Nook initiative and fostering intergenerational connections.
Evelyn Collins, a dedicated clinical nurse, was named Senior Citizen of the Year for her advocacy for Parkinson’s patients, while The Unforgettables Dementia Choir was honoured as Community Group of the Year for supporting individuals living with dementia through music.
City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate the incredible contributions of Novocastrians who go above and beyond for their community. You can find the list of previous winners by heading to newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
