Sam Daykin
Events, Sales & Sponsorships Coordinator
We are so delighted to have Sam on our team! A passionate young environmentalist dedicated to empowering and educating young people about the importance of protecting and preserving the local environment, Sam brings dynamism and energy to all that they do!
Sam joined OzGREEN in February 2022 and loves the challenge of designing and delivering events that are not only fun, but give young people access to opportunities that they may not have had before.
Young Citizen of the Year in the Bellingen Shire, Sam brings has a strong focus on bringing the youth voice into all of OzGREEN's programs. Sam is a wonderful addition to the team and works hard to ensure that OzGREEN is working closely with young people in our region to deliver activities that are impactful for them.
When I first joined OzGREEN, I didn’t exactly feel like a changemaker. Two years of hospitality work after dropping out of school had left me questioning whether I could handle a so-called ‘adult job.’ But one evening, as I scrolled through Instagram, an ad caught my attention. A local environmental charity... That happened to be based right behind my back fence, was looking for a young person to join their team. Taking a leap of faith, I applied. That decision set me on a path that has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth in ways I could never have imagined.
Over two years later, I’m now the Sponsorships and Events Coordinator at OzGREEN. In this role, I’ve led more than 130 events, engaging over 3,500 participants. These milestones aren’t just numbers; they’re meaningful stories. Stories of young people discovering hidden passions. Stories of communities uniting to plant trees, care for our rivers, and connect over a shared purpose. And stories of me stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging myself, and achieving goals I never thought possible. Each moment fuels my passion and reminds me why this work matters, and why I’m excited to keep building on it.
“There are so many things I value about my job and it’s super hard to narrow it down, but I think one thing I really value is being able to work creatively to provide opportunities for other young people to build the skills to understand how they can see themselves in this world too!"
What I value most about my role is how it centres young people’s ideas and experiences. As a young person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by today’s world, especially in a regional area where opportunities can feel limited. But working with OzGREEN has taught me that creating change isn’t about grand gestures or global movements. It’s about showing up for your community, listening to young people, and trusting their ideas and abilities to make a difference. That’s where meaningful impact happens.
My journey with OzGREEN has been as much about learning from others as it has been about personal growth. Contributing to making my corner of the world a better place has been deeply rewarding, but it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible team I work alongside. They’re my backbone, supporting my (sometimes ambitious) ideas and encouraging me to push my limits. Every step I take reminds me how important it is to create opportunities for growth, connection, and change.
When I first walked into the OzGREEN office, I wasn’t sure of my place or what I was capable of. Looking back now, I see a journey filled with moments that pushed me, surprised me, and helped me grow. I’ve spoken live on the radio, designed engaging activities on the fly, represented Bellingen at the National Leadership Forum in Canberra, and even coordinated an entire festival by myself. These experiences have taught me to trust my instincts, take risks, and step up when it counts. The work has been transformative, not just because of the skills I’ve gained but because of the incredible people who inspire and challenge me every day.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about what’s next: exploring innovative ways to engage young people, tackling fresh challenges, and continuing to build on the lessons I’ve learned. This journey has shown me that real growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.
