31/01/2026
Huge congratulations to Harper Russell-Just, who has been named Mount Alexander Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year! 🏅
The award was presented at the 'Australia Day – Survival Day' community event in Castlemaine, and honestly, it’s hard to think of someone more deserving.
Harper is one of those people who just quietly says yes, steps up, and gets on with helping wherever they’re needed.
They’ve made a massive contribution across Castlemaine and the wider shire through volunteering and leadership roles with more groups and committees than most people manage in a lifetime.
Harper is deeply committed to local emergency services, attending SES training and callouts, participating in CFA training and equipment checks, and working towards their General Firefighter accreditation.
When things go wrong, Harper is the kind of person you want around.
They’re also heavily involved in youth engagement and community life, contributing to the Amplify Committee, the Young Makers Market Committee, the Mount Alexander Shire Youth Advisory Group, and previously the Over the Rainbow Committee.
On top of that, they’ve volunteered with the Mount Alexander Falcons Auskick program, mentoring younger kids and helping them find their feet.
Harper is also a strong advocate for children in care, serving as a Young Advisor for the Ministerial Youth Advisory Group and presenting at the national Voices In Action conference in 2024.
Across the shire, Harper has helped shape the Mount Alexander Shire Youth Plan, hosted a youth-focused radio show on MainFM called Messin with Mics, been involved in Scouts, and worked part-time at a local restaurant.
They also earned a spot at the Alpine School for Student Leadership in 2022, and was named a Kwong Lee Dow Scholar through Melbourne University’s two-year leadership program.
Leadership, commitment, reliability, community impact – Harper ticks every box without making a fuss about it. A great role model and a well-earned honour! 👏
