Year 12 student awarded East Gippsland and Bairnsdale Young Citizen of the Year 2025 Awards.

Year 12 student Tanner from Caulfield Campus was recently awarded both the East Gippsland and Bairnsdale Young Citizen of the Year 2025 Awards, as well as being nominated for Victorian Young Achiever of the Year 2025.

Since he fell ill at just 11 years old, Tanner has fought to raise awareness and funds for Lyme Disease in Australia, a condition that still lacks proper recognition and support.

Over the recent summer holidays, Tanner and his friend Ed completed a 90-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for Lyme Disease. They shared their journey daily on local news and across socials at Shining the Lyme Light for 90 miles. They also hosted a large finishing event that was live-streamed across Australia and beyond with Tanner’s very honest and raw speech bringing everyone to tears.

To date, Tanner and Ed have raised $183,000, an amazing effort for two country kids.

“We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond.” Neale Daniher, 2025 Australian of the Year

Tanner said that Neale Daniher’s message of resilience resonates and aligns with his mission to continue shining a light on Lyme Disease.