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Meekah Merriman’s creativity and leadership are already making an impact across Warrnambool.
The 2026 Warrnambool Young Citizen of the Year, Warrnambool College Year 12 student and proud young Indigenous woman was recognised for her cultural storytelling, artistic contributions and advocacy for young people.
Meekah was one of four students who worked with teacher Anthea Rafferty and artists Sherry Johnstone and Mel Steffensen to create the Six Indigenous Seasons corten steel artwork at Warrnambool College.
The artwork represents the six seasons observed by Peek Whurrong People for thousands of years and recognises their deep connection with Country and living their lives in harmony with the changing seasons.
“Seeing it done, I was so grateful. It’s going to be here forever, and my name is on it, so I feel like a star in a way,” she said.
“Especially indigenous students, seeing something like this can really help them feel like they belong.”
Meekah said one of the key elements of the artwork held deep personal meaning.
“Bunjil, the eagle, is our totem animal. It’s in relation to my great pop, Banjo Clarke. I’ve always represented him as an eagle,” she said.
“So I thought it would be really nice to include that in there. It means a lot. I connect to it.”
The artwork was later recreated by the 2025 Leadership Great South Coast cohort and installed in James Swan Reserve, helping to spread the message and reach more people.
Meekah is also working on a children’s book inspired by the Six Seasons, with the aim of sharing local Indigenous culture and knowledge with younger audiences.
Beyond the creative realm, Meekah is also a leader and advocate for young people.
“Being a leader, I can take in everyone’s ideas. I can listen to everyone, I can give back,” she said.
“People might start to look up to me, and they feel if something needs to be changed, it can happen.
“I feel like I can be trusted. I just really want to help students.”
Meekah’s community-mindedness runs in her family, with her grandmother Bernice Clarke recognised with a Local Achiever Award in 2017.
“She’s taught me a lot through storytelling. She’s guided me through paintings. My aunty Fiona Clarke has been a big inspiration as well. She’s always encouraged me.
“I have a lot of artists around me who can guide and support me.”
Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain congratulated Meekah on her award and said her leadership was already making a positive impact.
“Meekah has shown that leadership can come through creativity, cultural pride and a genuine desire to help others,” he said.
“The Six Indigenous Seasons artwork is a wonderful example of how young people can share knowledge and help others feel a sense of belonging.
“To see that message then carried into the wider community through the James Swan Reserve installation is something the whole city can be proud of.
“Meekah is a terrific role model, and I’m delighted to recognise her as Warrnambool’s Young Citizen of the Year.”
Meekah will receive her award at a ceremony on Friday January 23 at 6pm.
The event will be held at the Warrnambool Stadium, 71-77 Caramut Road, with all welcome to attend.
Other award winners include Warrnambool Citizen of the Year Dr Barry Morphett, Local Achiever Bruce Morton and the Life Saving Victoria Senior State Championships hosted by the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club, which is the Community Event of the Year.
The event will also include an Australian Citizenship ceremony, with 47 people to take the pledge and officially become Australian Citizens.