From Parliament House in Canberra to Government House in Sydney, Penrith Anglican College student Ella Johnson has had a remarkable year of leadership, advocacy and service.

Already named Penrith Young Citizen of the Year for 2026, Ella has since represented her federal electorate at the inaugural National Youth Parliament and received an Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Youth Community Service Award following a nomination by Penrith Anglican College.

Across each achievement runs the same thread: Ella wants to use her voice and the opportunities she has been given to help others.

In August, Ella travelled to Canberra as one of just 150 secondary students selected for the inaugural National Youth Parliament. More than 2,200 young people applied nationally, with one participant chosen to represent each federal electorate.

Over five days, participants experienced Australia’s parliamentary system firsthand through debates, workshops and policy discussions at Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy.

Ella Johnson at Parliament House in Canberra during the inaugural National Youth Parliament.

“One of the highlights was taking part in the debates, where I was able to discuss important issues and hear a range of perspectives from young people across the country,” Ella said.

Ella used her adjournment speech to focus on improving healthcare for people in Western Sydney. She also contributed to debate about affordable housing.

“Health advocacy is something I am passionate about and I appreciated the opportunity to speak about ways to make healthcare more accessible,” she said.

For Ella, health advocacy is personal as well as practical. Her own experiences navigating the health system have helped shape her determination to make healthcare clearer, more accessible and more responsive to the people who use it.

That commitment was also recognised when Penrith City Council named Ella its 2026 Young Citizen of the Year.

Ella is already turning that passion into action. As a Youth Council Member for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, she works alongside other young people to help improve the experiences of children and families accessing healthcare services.

She has also contributed to the NSW Health Website Information Refresh project, providing feedback to help ensure important health information is clear, accessible and useful. Ella has served on the judging panel for the Children’s and Young People’s Choice Awards within the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and recently joined the University of Sydney SPARKY Youth Advisory Group.

Her service extends well beyond healthcare.

For the past six years, Ella has participated in Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Dance for Sick Kids fundraiser and earlier this year raised funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation through the 2026 Squat Challenge.

At Penrith Anglican College, Ella has contributed to the Sustainability Group, volunteered at Chapel, served as a mentor representative, participated in Clean Up Australia Day, helped organise R U OK? activities and supported Primary dance troupes.

It was this sustained commitment to serving others that led Penrith Anglican College to nominate Ella for the Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Youth Community Service Award.

Ella was subsequently selected as one of 25 young people from across NSW to be recognised at the 2026 awards ceremony at Government House on 20 August.

There, she received her award from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, with Penrith Anglican College Principal Mrs Felicity Grima joining Ella for the occasion.

Ella Johnson with Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, after receiving an Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Youth Community Service Award at Government House. Photo: Carlos Velasco.

“I was both honoured and humbled to receive the award,” Ella said. “Hearing the other award recipients’ stories has encouraged me to continue serving others and make a positive difference.”

Despite the recognition she has received, Ella is quick to point to the people and community around her.

“My family, my supportive friends and my teachers have all played an important role in helping me grow and pursue opportunities to serve others,” she said.

For Ella, Penrith Anglican College has been an important part of that journey, providing opportunities to lead, contribute and put her interests into action.

“The College has provided so many opportunities for growth, leadership and service. It has always encouraged students to look beyond ourselves, develop our strengths and use them to make a positive impact on others.”

Penrith Anglican College Principal Mrs Felicity Grima with Ella Johnson following the Youth Community Service Awards ceremony at Government House.

For the College, Ella’s journey reflects a broader aim: giving students opportunities to turn their strengths, interests and values into meaningful action.

Looking ahead, Ella hopes to pursue a career in healthcare while continuing to advocate for people whose voices may not always be heard.

“I am passionate about speaking up for those who may not have a voice and helping to create a healthcare system where people feel heard, supported and valued,” she said.

“My goal is to keep speaking up for people and look for more opportunities in the community and at school where I can be involved.”

From serving within her College and local community to speaking about Western Sydney healthcare on a national stage, Ella is already showing where a willingness to speak up, step forward and serve others can lead.