But the Wiradjuri/Palawa girl came out of her shell and shone brightly when the camera came out.

The Waniora Public School student was also far from shy recently when speaking at a Black Lives Matter rally in Dubbo in front of 400 plus people.

Tara Hodge said her daughter Penelope was also incredibly passionate about learning her languages (Wiradjuri & palawa kani) and all that she can about who she is, and where she comes from.

"In 2018 we spent a year with her family and community on Palawa Country, Lutruwita (Tasmania) and in 2020 spent the better part of a year with her family and community on Wiradjuri Country in Gilgandra (Western NSW)," Ms Hodge said.

"This really had a big bearing on what Penelope is so passionate about nowadays. She has a strong family and gets a lot from spending time with them and hearing their stories."

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Penelope has just finished filming the first of a series of educational short films with local videographer Craig Holbrook.

In the films she speaks about a variety of different topics including her culture and identity.

In the first film (set between Bellambi Point and East Corrimal sand dunes) Penelope performs an Acknowledgement of Country for the Dharawal and Yuin Nations, and then speaks about performing Welcomes, Acknowledgements, the difference between the two and why they are important.

"I'm really proud of who I am and where I come from," Penelope said.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is the longest continuing culture on the planet.

"Our culture should always be respected and Aboriginal languages should be taught in all public schools around the continent.

"With the filming I'm doing at the moment, I feel proud being able to share my voice.

"There might be other Aboriginal kids that really want to stand up and say something, but are a bit shy. I'm doing this for them."

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The Bulli youngster has achieved a lot already in her seven years, including winning a 'Deadly Junior Scientist' Award.

"I received the award from Corey Tutt, a Kamileroi man that grew up in the Illawarra," Penelope said.

"His organisation 'Deadly Science' provides books and STEM resources for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander kids in remote communities around the continent.

"Corey is one of my hero's, so receiving an award from him made me scream really loud and jump on the bed."

Penelope also spoke in front of more than 18 Illawarra principals about her recent experiences travelling back to Gilgandra to live on Country.

Ms Hodge said her daughter's family was "very strong".

She said Penelope's grandmother June opened the first Aboriginal Children's Centre in Lutruwita (Tasmania) and also led the Palawa Kani Language Revival Program for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.

"Her grandfather Graeme was the first Aboriginal person to travel to the Antarctic Circle where as a ranger with Parks and Wildlife he performed studies on the wildlife population.

"Pen's father Billy Towney is in his second last year as a medical student at Western Sydney University," Ms Hodge said.

Penelope may well follow suit but she told the Mercury she'd "love to be a writer, a scientist and ice cream driver'

"I would also like to work at Subway and be famous," she said.

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