Fred Hollows Foundation Junior Ambassador Chloe Payne is a finalist in the Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards.
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The 12-year-old from Norwood wowed judges at the semi-finals to progress through to the final four in the Heather & Christopher Chong Community Service & Volunteering Award category.
In 2018 Chloe made hundreds of friendship bands to help her grieving friend, Ammi, whose brother Rhys died in his sleep aged two.
Chloe sold the bands to raise money for a swing for bereaved siblings, like Ammi, as part of the Rally for Rhys fundraiser.
Raising $1000 for the cause, Chloe continued making bands and sending them to grieving siblings nationally.
Chloe is sending warmth and friendship with every bracelet she gifts.
- Lisa Amerikanos
Lisa Amerikanos, of Kings Meadows, nominated Chloe for this award, because she offers "the gift of comfort, empathy and compassion" to children.
"Chloe is sending warmth and friendship with every bracelet she gifts," Ms Amerikanos said.
At 12, Chloe has a level of maturity, empathy and compassion "beyond her years".
"Chloe balances school, dancing, cheerleading, being a sister herself with attending markets, crafting bracelets and sending out the gift of friendship to those in need," she said.
"Chloe is such a selfless young lady, always doing things for others, and has a heart of gold."
The Heather & Christopher Chong Community Service & Volunteering Award is for those who positively impacted the lives of others and their community, with nominees including community service workers, volunteers and young leaders.
Other Northern Tasmanian finalists include Denni Proctor, 26, of West Launceston, and Mia King, 17, of East Launceston in the Dental South Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Achievement Award.
They are joined by two more finalists: Luke Tepper, 26, of Summerhill, in the University of Tasmania Faculty of Education Teaching Excellence Award, and Lauren Burnes, of St Helens, for the TADPAC Print Service to the Disability Sector Award.
Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards patron Premier Will Hodgman said this event was a chance to acknowledge and celebrate young Tasmanians doing great things.
"Each year we are inspired by the achievements of those nominated and the example they set for all Tasmanians," Mr Hodgman said.
Other awards categories to be contended are:
- St.LukesHealth Healthier Communities Award
- First National Real Estate Leadership Award
- Motors Tasmania Sports Award
- Colony 47 Transition to Work Award
- Spirit of Tasmania Tourism and Hospitality Award
Winners will be announced on Friday, May 31, at Wrest Point, Hobart.
The Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards began in 1989 to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of people aged 29 and under.