Millicent resident Arabey McKenzie was congratulated at the local Australia Day breakfast as the recipient of this year’s Corcoran Ward Young Citizen of the Year Award.

Her citation was read out aloud by Wattle Range ward councillor Dennis Muhovics to the gathering of 250.

He said Arabey was a budding digital and graphic novel artist and was being recognised for her work in the arts and contribution to the local arts community.

Cr Muhovics said Arabey returned to Millicent in November 2021 when her animation studies at JMC Academy in Melbourne were interrupted by COVID lockdowns.

“While in Melbourne during the lockdowns Arabey put this time to good use and completed and published a 150-page colour graphic novel digitally,” Cr Muhovics said.

“Drawing on this experience Arabey will be participating in an Anime arts project during 2023 Youth Week, hoping to inspire young artists and encourage them to be creative and develop their skills.

“Exhibiting for the first time in last year’s Wattle Range Art Exhibition she has taken steps to become more involved in the local arts community, currently painting a reading nook in the children’s library – digitally designed and hand painted.

“She is also working with Yonty Chambers and supporting him in his new gallery venture, painting canvasses.”

Arabey has described the importance of art in her life.

“It has always been the most important form of expression to me, from drawing dragons in primary school to now doing paintings, digital art exhibitions and creating my own comic books,” she said.

“Art is a way of connecting communities and expressing our inner selves.

“I would like to continue to give back to the community through my art, teaching, workshops, mentoring, and facilitating and developing mural art.”