Award recognises Noah’s selfless contributions to community

Noah Quick has been an active member of Faith in Action since Year 7 and was this year named co-captain of the social justice group. Now, his dedication to helping others has been recognised by the City of Ballarat, who awarded Noah with a Youth Award for Volunteering.

NOAH Quick doesn’t hesitate when asked why he enjoys volunteering.

“It’s a way to give back,” he explains.

“We’re incredibly lucky to attend St Pat’s and have access to first-class facilities and opportunities. Faith in Action allows me to share this privilege with others who might not be so fortunate.”

Chatting with Noah during his lunch break, it’s clear to see he is wise beyond his years.

The Year 11 student speaks passionately about the importance of social justice and the benefits of being involved in a group like Faith in Action.

“It builds good connections with people you might not normally interact with and opens you up to a whole different world,” he says.

“There are so many ways you can get involved and so much to gain.”

Throughout his Faith in Action journey, Noah has been involved in regular visits to local primary schools and Nazareth House, countless fundraising efforts, hospital visits, tutoring and much more.

But the 16-year-old is quick to deflect praise away from himself, instead preferring to acknowledge the efforts of the entire group.

“The award is recognition of the dedication of not just one person, but the whole Faith in Action group,” he says.

“I can only do what I do because of the selfless actions of my peers. Everyone is completely dedicated to the group and helping others.”

Noah’s leadership extends well beyond Faith in Action.  

He has recently joined the steering group of Compassionate Ballarat, a volunteer group auspiced by Grampians Health to develop and implement a strategic approach to creating Ballarat as a compassionate city.

In previous years, he has been awarded Melbourne University’s prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship, as well as the ADF Long Tan award for leadership and comradery.

And in September, Noah was appointed College Captain for 2024.

Faith in Action trainee Zenon Czulji said Noah’s dedication to justice and charity was truly humbling and an inspiration to all students.

“Noah’s personal character and effort towards charity and compassion is unmatched at the College,” he said.

“Time and time again, Noah’s voice and his determination continue to be a source of positivity and positive change for the community.”

“He is exemplary in all his work, bearing the character of one much older and wiser than he should possibly be. He is an extraordinary individual working tirelessly for others.”

Noah’s commitment to helping others looks likely to continue after school with the teenager interested in pursuing medicine or a similar field at university.

“I’d like to be able to continue to help people in future years,” he says.

Until then, Noah remains dedicated to Faith in Action, encouraging others to get involved and “achieve your best self”.

“It’s pleasing to see the Faith in Action group growing in numbers and I would encourage anyone who might be interested in joining to reach out,” he says.

“If you can get involved, do so, it truly goes a long way.”