Most people would struggle to snag an Australia Day happy snap with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
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But getting to meet the Australian prime minister was one of many highlights for Mangerton’s stellar young scientist and inventor Macinley Butson.
“It was very exciting,” the 17-year-old said of meeting Mr Turnbull.
“I was very nervous beforehand and there was some anticipation I suppose. But, when you meet him you realise that yes he is the leader of our country but he is also just a good person and another human being and a fellow Australian.”
As the 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year winner, Macinley was also named as a national Young Australian of the Year finalist and attended the awards night in Canberra on Thursday night.
Football sensation Sam Kerr took out the Young Australian of the Year. Macinley was just “very thankful” for the opportunity.
‘’Getting to meet all these brilliant people was amazing,” the 17-year-old said.
“Being able to hear their story and where they were coming from was such an honour and I think everyone was a bit blown away once we were actually down there. We watched people’s bios and watched their videos….that’s not even close to actually meeting them in person. They are truly inspiring people, who hopefully I’ll keep in contact for many years to come.”
Macinley said she was fortunate and honoured to be able to attend the flag raising and national citizenship ceremony in Canberra on Australia Day. She also met community, religious leaders and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a function in Blacktown.
- By Agron Latifi
