13-year-old Harrison “Buddy” Dare’s average day doesn’t look the same as most around him.
Rather than spending his free time catching up on the latest episode of his favourite television show, this selfless Murrumburrah High School student can more often than not be found volunteering for his local community.
Buddy has supported several local events, organisations and community initiatives through the Hilltops Youth Action Group and on his own.
Locals may recognise him from his time spent at The Book Nook, Harden Kite Festival, Rotary Community Garden and Zac’s Place Community Centre.
Recently, Buddy’s extraordinary efforts were recognised as the 2026 Central West Young Volunteer of the Year.
“I started volunteering because it’s got a special place in my heart and I’ve always wanted to volunteer,” he says.
“I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Out of Buddy’s volunteering haunts, he says The Book Nook in Harden is one of his favourites due to its “hands-on” nature.
“I’m not the best at everything, but I’m better with hands-on [activities], and I find when I’m in the community, I’m doing more hands-on things,” he says.
“I’m learning in different ways.”
Buddy’s extracurriculars are a powerful display of selflessness and community, and he says you’re never too young to help the community.
“It helps the people that normally volunteer and gives them a break because they’re the ones that always go,” he says.
Buddy’s mum, Emma, says his family is incredibly proud of her son’s actions.
“Every day we come home and he’s got a different story, or he’s learnt something new, and how inspired he is to help,” she says.
“It doesn’t matter where he is, it doesn’t matter if it’s the Book Nook or a barbecue somewhere, he is always putting his hand up and giving it a go, and we’re just incredibly proud of him.
“It was great to see him recognised for his hard work, but he doesn’t think it’s anything special which makes it more of a credit to him.
“He was so amazed that there was even an award for it.”
Finding himself and gaining confidence in his actions more and more every day, Emma says Buddy has inspired several people around them.
The incredible 13-year-old is far from done in his community efforts and says he would love to volunteer next in local firefighting branches by helping out behind the scenes to cook, organise and clean for the hardworking emergency service workers.
“It’s just something that would help a lot of people, and it would be incredibly amazing for other people to see that this is what volunteering can do,” he says.
Buddy is a member of the Hilltops Youth Action Group, which has grown each year since its initial establishment.
“It’s great to see the younger generation coming through and wanting to help out,” says Emma.
Buddy and his family now have an exciting trip planned in December to Sydney, as he heads to the State Awards.
Until then, his grit, determination and charisma will keep him helping the community in whatever way he can.
“I just hope that everyone feels inspired by Buddy, and can find a love for their community,” says Emma.
Elizabeth Kovacs
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.