Brandon To The Burdekin Stage How Giulia's Confidence Blossomed as Part of The 2025 Burdekin Water Festival

Giulia Sarri loved every second of representing her school, Burdekin Christian College a Junior Ambassador in the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Bozzetto

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2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri says the experience greatly transformed her confidence, particularly when it comes to public speaking, and is warmly encouraging other young people to step outside their comfort zones and get involved.

Representing Burdekin Christian College (BCC) throughout last year's festival, Giulia embraced every opportunity the Ambassador Program had to offer and said it helped her become far more confident speaking in front of others.

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"With public speaking, I don't get as nervous anymore and I'm much more comfortable speaking at events without prior notice," expressed Giulia.

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Having grown up in Brandon and now attending Year 7 at Burdekin Christian College, Giulia has a deep appreciation for the close-knit community she calls home. She loves that "everything is close and everyone knows each other," and believes events such as the Burdekin Water Festival play an important role in bringing the community together and celebrating the region.

Grateful for the opportunity to represent her school, Giulia said she felt honoured to be selected as BCC’s 2025 Junior Ambassador and is encouraging other students to nominate for future festivals.

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"I was extremely grateful to be chosen to represent the school and proud and honoured to do so," she said.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and not many people can say they have been an ambassador for their local club, school or business, so to me, it was quite special. My school supported me throughout the journey."

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Giulia's mother, Lisa Sarri, said she could not have been prouder of her daughter's growth throughout the experience and believes the Ambassador Program has helped shape her into the confident high school student she is today.

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"I was extremely proud watching Giulia's confidence and personality grow with each Water Festival event,” said Ms Sarri.

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“Giulia stayed true to herself throughout the ambassador program and embraced every new opportunity."

While Giulia treasured every moment of the Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program, one experience stood above the rest; visiting residents at Regis Aged Care in Home Hill alongside her fellow Junior and Senior Ambassadors.

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"The part of the experience that meant the most to me personally would be attending Regis as part of the Ambassador program and entertaining the residents."

Giulia said the visit gave her the opportunity to connect with the community in a meaningful way while sharing one of her favourite hobbies.

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"I presented a crochet lesson and they all loved it! Being crowned the winner was honestly a bonus after fun-filled months attending events and making new friends."

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Although nominations for the 2026 Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program have now closed and this year's Junior and Senior Ambassador cohort has been announced, Giulia hopes more young people will consider nominating for the 2027 Ambassador Program and experience everything it has to offer.

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"Just go for it," Giulia encourages.

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"Be part of something special! Once you nominate my advice would be to be yourself, talk to everyone and have fun!"

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