Championing the rights of the indigenous community and advocating for others has earned Ryan Walker-Kluske the 2023 Young Citizen of the Year (SA).

The 16-year-old from Lyndoch (pictured above with his younger brother Zac) has shown a maturity beyond his years as member of the Indigenous and Reconciliation Affairs Committee in the YMCA Youth Parliament for 2021 & 2022, where he was recognised with an Emerging Leader Award.

Ryan was especially passionate about raising the age of indigenous children being placed in youth detention.

“In the first year we talked about raising the age from 11 to 14 for indigenous children, because if you’re indigenous you’re more likely to go to jail than a white child and it’s all about that stereotype. We wrote that bill to try and change the points of views of people.

“Raising the age to 14 would give them more of a chance… a way to get them back on their feet.

See more here 2023 Citizen of Year Awards | The National Tribune.