Citation for Bodie Fenwick-Mulcahy – Bodie, a Church of the Good Shepherd Parishioner and currently a senior student undertaking his Higher School Certificate at Kotara High School, stands as an exceptional role model of youth leadership,
advocacy, and community service. Since commencing his high school journey in 2020, Bodie has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of academic excellence, civic-mindedness, and personal integrity. His tireless efforts within his school and the wider community have had a profound and lasting impact on those around him, making him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Youth Community Service Award.
At Kotara High School, Bodie is widely regarded as a respected leader among his peers and a dedicated scholar. His academic achievements are impressive: he was awarded Year 7 Dux (2020), has earned multiple first and second places across courses, and is a three-time recipient of the Best in School award for the prestigious Australian Mathematics Competition (2022, 2023, and 2024). These accolades reflect not just his intellect, but his disciplined commitment to learning and pursuit of excellence
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In recognition of his perseverance and positive attitude, Bodie was also presented with the Year Advisor’s Award for Commitment in both 2022 and 2024, as well as the P&C Personal Best Award in 2023.
Beyond the classroom, Bodie’s warmth, humility and dedication to others shine brightly. Known for his friendly
nature and sincere concern for his peers, Bodie consistently displays
maturity, empathy, and an unwavering moral compass. His strength of character is made all the more extraordinary by the resilience he shows in overcoming personal challenges. Living with vision impairment, Bodie has never let his circumstances define him—instead, he has used his experiences as a platform to advocate for inclusivity, accessibility, and understanding.
Within the school community, Bodie has contributed tirelessly through his service on the Student Representative Council (2021–2024). Over four consecutive years, he has been a driving force behind year-round fundraising efforts that have supported both school infrastructure improvements and external charities, including the McGrath Foundation and Beyond Blue. From organising sausage sizzles and selling raffle tickets to representing student concerns to school leadership, Bodie’s active involvement has enhanced student life and contributed to a more cohesive school culture. Most recently, as a Year 12 student, he has been pivotal in fundraising efforts for the school’s formal and farewell gift—continuing his tradition of service and commitment to legacy.
In 2022, Bodie independently designed and delivered a short course to Year 11 Community and Family Studies students, offering insight into the lived experiences of people with vision impairments. His engaging, hands-on session helped classmates develop empathy and awareness around mobility and accessibility. Further expanding his educational impact, Bodie launched a lunchtime maths club in 2025 to mentor high-achieving peers. His goal: to foster collaborative problem solving and elevate the school’s maths performance for future cohorts.
Outside of school, Bodie continues to serve as a beacon of compassion and leadership. He contributes weekly to his local church as a subdeacon, assisting during services, greeting parishioners, and offering strategic input on youth ministry. His guidance and presence in this space further reflect his natural ability to lead with grace and humility.
In the local community, Bodie has been an instrumental figure in the “Bring Cameron Home” initiative—a project close to his heart. Following a friend’s life-altering illness, Bodie devoted countless hours volunteering on-site and advocating for fundraising efforts. His enduring friendship and practical support have provided emotional and physical comfort, reflecting his deep capacity for loyalty and action.
His local advocacy has extended to participating in donation drives such as the Zara’s House initiative in 2023 and playing a role in the Backpack Venture Project (2022), helping collect and assemble essential resources for schools affected by flooding in Lismore.
Bodie’s contributions have also reached state and national levels. His work with the Fred Hollows Foundation through Fred’s Big Run in 2023 and 2024 raised over $4,600, restoring sight to over 180 people suffering from preventable blindness. His efforts earned him a position as Hunter Region community ambassador, where he shared his story via a radio interview on ABC Newcastle, inspiring others to join the cause.
In 2025, Bodie took on the role of statewide ambassador for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, appearing in promotional materials that reached millions. His message—that people with vision impairment can thrive with the right support—resonated deeply, challenging perceptions and offering hope.
Bodie has also influenced national and international audiences. In 2022, he presented at the Albinism Fellowship of Australia Conference, sharing his personal journey and highlighting available supports for youth with visual impairment. His thoughtful and honest insights captivated over 100 attendees from across the country and beyond. In 2023, he was invited to speak at VISCON, a leading professional conference run by NextSense. His talk, “A Student’s Perspective on High School,” was met with overwhelming praise, both in person and via livestream.
His dedication to empowering others with disability is reflected further in his partnership with Outward Bound Australia. Selected to represent Guide Dogs youth clients nationally, Bodie participated in the 2023 and 2024 youth expeditions, acting as both a mentor and a symbol of resilience. His involvement actively challenged stereotypes and helped shape new understandings of what young people with disabilities can achieve.
Even in smaller, everyday ways, Bodie is always looking for ways to help. In 2022, he was part of fundraising efforts for National Bandanna Day, raising over $1,600 for CANTEEN alongside his peers. His efforts are never for recognition, but rather a deep and consistent desire to uplift others.
In recognition of his community leadership and character, Bodie was previously named runner-up for the Adamstown Lions Club Meritorious Student Achievement Award (2023). This honour, given to students who exemplify compassion, fundraising initiative, and moral integrity, affirmed what many already knew: that Bodie’s contributions are both exceptional and enduring.
In every facet of his life—academic, civic, and personal—Bodie exemplifies the values of courage, service, and excellence. He turns personal challenges into collective triumphs and models what it means to lead with heart. Through his unwavering efforts to improve the lives of others, Bodie has made a significant impact on his school, his local community, and society at large.
For these reasons and more, Bodie is a truly outstanding recipient of the 2025 Youth Community Service Award.