Second time’s a charm for Abbey

By Jemma Jones

Mar 2, 2025

A young woman is using her past struggles with mental health to help others overcome what she herself had to go through.

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And it’s second time’s a charm for Abbey Brown, who has been nominated for a second year in a row for the Victorian 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate the positive achievements and success of young people up to the age of 29 across Victoria.

Abbey is vying for the Kangan Institute Inspiration TAFE Student Award, which celebrates TAFE students who have triumphed over adversity to excel in their chosen field.

Since completing Year 12 before the rest of her cohort in March 2024, Abbey threw herself further into her community services studies.

She has earned certificates II and III, and now works as a support worker while pursuing her diploma in community services.

Abbey’s personal journey through mental health challenges as a young person inspired her to become a support worker, helping others navigate similar experiences.

But she said her mum, who works in community services already, inspired her to pursue the career and was a champion for keeping her going.

Abbey is looking forward to completing her diploma so she can climb the community services ladder.

The Lancaster local was nominated by her TAFE trainer, Jody-Anne Tadic, who also nominated her last year.

In her nomination form, Ms Tadic highlighted Abbey’s dedication to strive for excellence in her studies.

“Abbey’s ability to balance academic excellence, professional adaptability and personal growth makes her an inspirational figure to her peers and educators alike,” Ms Tadic wrote in Abbey’s nomination application.

The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards ceremony is in May.