Australian of the Year

Arriving in Australia on a humanitarian visa in 2007, Beny Bol has spent nearly two decades strengthening families, empowering young people and building safer communities.  

Born in a remote village where he was the only child to attend school, Beny went on to study International Law and International Relations before becoming one of Australia’s leading voices on multiculturalism and youth advocacy.  

As engagement and support program manager at Youth Off The Streets, Beny worked with disengaged and at‑risk youth, and was often the first person the police called when incidents involved African‑Australian young people.  

Beny founded the African Youth Support Council, initially employing 11 mentors. The Council – now known as Village Support Limited, where Beny is CEO – today employs nearly 40 youth and community workers, delivering rehabilitation and early‑intervention programs in detention centres, schools and the African Youth Centre, and African village hubs. As president of the Queensland African Communities Council, Beny has established multiple youth and community centres across Queensland.  

Beny’s initiatives continue to change lives and strengthen communities.