Community Citizen of the Year: Playing for Purpose
A talented pianist from a young age, Bryzlyn Sin understands the importance of giving time and energy to a good cause – a trait that has continued with her into adulthood.
Over the years, she has represented Australia to perform at Carnegie Hall, the Golden Jubilee concert at the National Stadium in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands theatre in Singapore, and the Wiener Saal Mozarteum in Salzburg. However, she has also performed for charity – helping to raise $1.98 million for the Pocket Money Fund, which supports students from low-income families to pursue their interests in the arts.
“I was 10 years old and it made me very happy to know that my ‘little hands’ playing the piano could make a difference,” Bryzlyn reflected. “It just showed that no one is too young to lend a hand.”
Since then, Bryzlyn has helped to raise funds for Cancer Council, Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and Live Below the Line, and accumulated more than 250 hours of community service, from volunteering in nursing homes to cooking for people experiencing homelessness, during high school.
“Community service is an integral part of my life and volunteering is the most empowering tool. You can help in so many small and big ways, making a difference in someone’s life. It is most humbling to witness how someone less fortunate has overcome adversity because you contributed your time and energy.”
For her community contribution, Bryzlyn was named the 2023 Young Community Citizen of the Year for the City of Kalamunda – recognition that she says gave her a greater sense of belonging as a bilingual, first-generation Australian-born Chinese person.
“I was most humbled to receive this honourable award in 2023. Being of Asian descent, when I was younger, there were often times when my school mates would doubt how I am an Australian. Receiving this award really paid tribute and cemented my Australian identity.”
Today, Bryzlyn is studying Business Law and Accounting at UWA, with an assured pathway to the Juris Doctor postgraduate program, and is the Youth and Community Assistant at the City of Kalamunda, a role in which she hopes to “inspire more youth to contribute to our community.” She has also recently been shortlisted as one of the 30 finalists for the RAC Ignite Leadership Program.
“I feel empowered to step up and aspire to be a change maker. I truly believe that it is vital for us to nurture and shape the younger generation to be the best versions of themselves, because after all, the young people today, are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Do you know a young person aged between 16-30 who is contributing to your community? Nominate them for a 2024 Community Citizen of the Year Award at www.citizenshipawards.com.au/nominate. Nominations close Tuesday 31 October.