Sophia Skarparis
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AG Young Conservationist of the year 2018, North Sydney Young Person of the Year 2018
Inspiring keynote speaker with themes including youth action and how to be ‘game-changers’
Sophia Skarparis is a walking embodiment of the saying ‘age is just a number’ because at just 16 years old, she has caused a wave of positive impacts on the fight against single-use plastic in NSW. In 2018, the year 10 student set out to attain 10,000 face to face signatures on her petition to ban plastic bags in NSW, and to educate Sydney residents about the damaging effects plastic can have on the environment. She smashed her goal, presenting New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, with over 12,000 signatures, guaranteeing her petition would be tabled in parliament. Sophia was awarded the Australian Geographic Young Conservationist of the Year award for 2018, which was presented to her by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Sophia is an iconic ambassador for young Australians and a true advocate for the power of community action. In 2019, she was named North Sydney Council and Willoughby City Council Young Citizen of the Year.