WHILE balancing his own business, volunteer work with the SES and his family, William Bone also has been named as Deaf Youth Australian of the Year. 
The award recognises the service, contribution and dedication William has made to the Australian deaf community. 
While William is an active member in both the Wedderburn community and the deaf community the award still came as a surprise last week.
 “I wasn’t aware I was even nominated until two days before and then on the night I was announced as the winner.” 
In 2023, William started his gardening and handyman business which has led to a lot of community involvement and engagement while also displaying his commitment to achieving his goals. 
After moving to Wedderburn two years ago from Bendigo, William joined the Wedderburn SES which he thoroughly enjoys being a part of.  Initially he found starting the job difficult due to outdated regulations that prevented him from participating amid concerns he was deaf. 
However, his own advocacy and support from fellow volunteers has been able to advance within the SES. William is now the deputy controller for operations for the SES unit which has given him more opportunities to be involved with the community which he enjoys. 
William’s partner Grace Rourke has been teaching SES members Auslan with his assistance, which has been a great experience. 
“The team have enjoyed learning and are now able to communicate more easily with William, which is essential in their line of work,” Grace said.  William has put in significant work into his business and the SES and he credits the support from the local community to achieving his goals and said: “The community has been so welcoming and has made us feel included.” 
William continues to advocate for inclusivity for both the deaf community and others who may be impacted by prejudice rules. 
Wedderburn SES credits him with being “a hardworking, dedicated member of our unit” and says, “he has brought a culture of learning and inclusion that we couldn’t be prouder of.”
The annal Deaf Australian of the Year and the Deaf Australian Youth of the Year Awards were established in the memory of Dorothy Shaw,  the founding president of Deaf Australia.