IF you’re lucky enough to meet Daniel Giles, it won’t take long before you recognise why he was named the City of Greater Bendigo’s young citizen of the year.
As a student at Catholic College Bendigo he took the initiative to organise a day of silence fundraiser for those who suffer injustice in the world and have no voice.  
Through this project he not only raised money for local disadvantaged families but also an awareness of the many people in the world who are oppressed.
As part of his studies Daniel was also responsible for researching, designing and creating an interactive resource for students with Autism to integrate into a secondary college environment.  
Daniel has also used his life experience to talk to others about Autism.  
He was a speaker at a conference held at the Bendigo Special Developmental School to assist teachers and support staff to enhance their understanding of Autism and he delivered a key note address to 450 delegates at a State Special Educators Conference.
Daniel’s community service has included visiting the elderly at Bethlehem Home for the Aged, volunteering at the Bendigo Art Gallery, the St Vincent De Paul Soup Van in Melbourne, St Therese’s Parish Office, St Therese’s Primary School, Catholic Education Office and for the Riding for the Disabled.  
He is also a regular blood donor.
In 2006 he spent a week at a mission school at Wilcannia in outback New South Wales working with indigenous students and undertaking maintenance work around the school.
“The children I met were just gorgeous despite the hardships they endure day by day,” he said.
“The teachers there were so inspirational to the students ... I came away feeling there was hope in that township.”
Daniel has also used his graphic design skills to help the local Catholic community and recently designed a bookmark and contact card which will be used by the Diocese of Sandhurst participants at World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.
He also won the Central Victorian Schools Web Site competition for creating the Catholic College’s Alumni website and the Catholic College Catherine McAuley Award.
“I just feel I have to get in and do my best,” he said.
“It’s important to give even just a little bit of your time and yourself to the community.”
City of Greater Bendigo mayor David Jones said Daniel’s Autism had not stopped a remarkable young man from achieving his personal goals and helping others.
“Daniel is a caring young person who is prepared to stand up and show others what he
believes is the right and just thing to do,” he said.
“He is an absolutely incredible role model who has the ability to share his story to help others.
“Daniel is an inspiration and it’s great to acknowledge his work through the citizen of the year award.”