Stella Borellini leapt out of her comfort zone last year when she accepted a nomination to represent the Burdekin Academy as a Junior Ambassador in 2024’s Burdekin Water Festival.
With new friendships, community focused experiences, and a new sense of self-confidence, Stella’s journey as a Junior Ambassador was nothing short of rewarding, and she hopes many others will take to the opportunity.
“A message I would like to share with aspiring Ambassadors is that it may seem daunting to participate in these sorts of things, however it’s not,” shared Stella.
“This commitment was the highlight of my year as it was a delightful, heartwarming, feel good experience and one word I would use to describe the Burdekin Water Festival experience is phenomenal!”
Over the course of approximately four months, Stella and her fellow Junior and Senior Ambassadors engaged in a plethora of community-based activities and fundraising events for various organisations and charities.
“My favourite memory from the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival was definitely the Fashion Parade because it was something I had never done before,” expressed Stella.
“You can just be yourself and have fun with all the other Ambassadors!”
In September of last year, Stella was celebrated as the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Runner Up, a title she accepted with joy and will treasure for years to come.
With the crown aside, Stella’s mother, Allison Borellini, was beyond delighted to see how much her daughter grew from her experience as a Junior Ambassador, adding how amazing it was to see Stella involved with so many wonderful events and people.
“Stella thoroughly enjoyed her time as a Water Festival Ambassador and it introduced her to taking part in fundraising efforts for her club, the Burdekin Academy, and what it means to give back and be involved with your community,” Allison said.
“Her confidence skyrocketed when it came to public speaking and talking with various people throughout the Burdekin community, and as a parent, it can be busy but your club will be behind you every step of the way and it is an extremely rewarding experience.”