At just 12 years old, Jacob, from Leopold is already making a powerful impact in his community, leading with compassion, resilience and a genuine desire to help others.

Living with haemophilia, Jacob has turned his own experiences into a source of empathy and motivation. Rather than letting challenges define him, he has channelled them into action, with a clear aspiration to one day work in healthcare and support others facing similar journeys.

A dedicated member of St John Ambulance Victoria’s Barwon Youth Division, Jacob has quickly distinguished himself through his commitment, teamwork and leadership. His growth and enthusiasm were recently recognised with a Most Improved award, reflecting not only his developing skills, but also the positive influence he has on those around him.

Beyond St John, Jacob is deeply involved in community initiatives that promote inclusion, confidence and wellbeing. He founded a low‑cost, inclusive dance initiative, creating a safe and welcoming space for young people who may feel excluded from traditional activities. Focused on connection rather than competition, the program encourages self‑expression, confidence and belonging.

Jacob has also established a community bike group, bringing young people together to promote fitness, friendship and health awareness, while strengthening local connections. His leadership extends further through his role as a Junior Youth Leader with Haemophilia Foundation Victoria, where he supports advocacy, education and awareness for people living with bleeding disorders.

In recognition of his outstanding community service and youth leadership, Jacob has been named a finalist in the 2026 Channel 7 Australian Young Achiever Awards, and while he didn’t take home the top award, being named among the top four young achievers in Victoria for his community work is a remarkable achievement that highlights the positive impact young people can have when given the opportunity to lead.

“This means a lot, because the hard work me and my family do was seen and valued by others. This gives me the opportunity to hold bigger and better campaigns in the future and it will help me when I'm older to put on my resume when I start to work in the medical field.” Says Jacob.

Jacob’s story is one of kindness in action. Through St John Ambulance Victoria and his wider community work, he continues to inspire his peers, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.

We are incredibly proud of Jacob and look forward to following his journey as he continues to grow, lead and inspire.