The La Trobe University bachelor of arts sociology and psychology student was recently nominated for Young Australian of the Year after landing an award at the Wodonga Red Carpet Youth Awards in July.

Ms Hawkins said she was quite touched and surprised by the nomination.

“One of the girls who was nominated for an award that night came up to me and was quite inspired by my story,” she said.

“You never really expect to have an accolade given to you when you’re doing something that feels quite natural.”

Ms Hawkins was able to raise more than $10,000 for the charity Give me 5 for kids after cycling 1000 kilometres around north east Victoria in March to promote awareness of access to health services.  

She said her future interests had put her sights on working in the civil service.

“I’m quite interested in the political spectrum, and I’m looking to go and study national security next year.”

Ms Hawkins added her passion for the subject would take her to Canberra if she pursued it.

“I have an interest in the area of federal police, so hopefully next year I can find myself doing that,” she said.

Ms Hawkins said being connected with the community and strengthening her involvement would assist in her endeavours.

“The most important part is to bring the community on the journey with me,” she said.

“I am working on a new project now and trying to fill the gaps and be a part of the change.”

Ms Hawkins said she had appreciated the support from her family.

“They’re quite proud, mum, my two sisters and dad have been there throughout the journey,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s hard to take because it’s what you do in your stride.”

Ms Hawkins will graduate from the Wodonga Council’s youth leadership program in October having bolstered her leadership skills.

She said the next chapter in her career would be working in sport.

“I’ll be involved with women in sport and participation, so I’m focusing a lot of my effort in there at the moment,” Ms Hawkins said.

The final ceremony will be held in November.