"We're doing the right thing and I hope this proves that the communities I am in, and Ballarat as a whole, are doing the right thing by our youth, and by our country."

Despite having a profound vision impairment, Gabriel Gervasoni - who was named Young Citizen of the Year at last night's Australia Day awards ceremony - is involved in numerous committees and groups dedicated to the betterment of the Ballarat community and is particularly passionate about issues affecting youth and people with disabilities.

Gabriel has been involved with the Youth Advisory Board, helping to organise the Spring in the Park and Clean Up Australia Day events.

OTHER AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD RECIPIENTS

He also created online content to assist young people experiencing family violence, consulted with the Commissioner for Children and Young People about issues facing Central Highlands youth and was a member of the City of Ballarat Youth Council.

He says he spends about six to eight hours a week working the projects he's passionate about in the city, and his growing experience in advocacy has meant people are now asking him for advice and leadership in new areas.

"I feel accomplished," Gabriel says.

"I am accomplishing something. I feel like I am making changes within the city, I feel I am, yes."

Gabriel paid tribute to his family for helping him achieve what he's set out to do, especially his mother.

"She's my number one," he says. He also acknowledged Ballarat Youth Advisory Board (YAB) coordinator Pearl Goodwin-Burns and head of the Youth Council Katja Fiedler.

Gabriel recently finished the Youth Disability Advocacy Service Emerging Young Leaders Program, learning skills to lead advocacy for young people with a disability and improve their own lives through self-advocacy.