At just 15 years old, Zavier Meares is already making a name for himself – not just as a talented sportsperson, but as a passionate community leader determined to make a difference.

A Year 9 student at Jordan River Learning Federation – Senior School (JRLF-SS), Zavier has called Herds­mans Cove home for most of his life. Firmly rooted in the Brighton area, he’s become a familiar face on the sports field, in community programs, and local leadership forums.

Born to Play

Zavier’s eyes light up the moment sport is mentioned. “It makes me happy,” he says with a grin. A dedi­cated soccer and basketball player, Zavier is in his fifth year of compet­itive soccer and currently plays for Brighton Storm’s under-14s team, where he’s already earned a shelf full of trophies and medals. “We’re all really hanging out for the new soccer facilities at Seymour Street to be finished. We just can’t wait!” he shares, buzzing with anticipation for the future of local sport.

Beyond team games, Zavier’s love for long-distance running and regular gym visits show just how much he values staying active. One of his proudest achievements? Scoring a goal directly from the corner during a match – an impressive and rare feat in the world of soccer. “Sport gives me moments that feel amazing. It’s rewarding, it builds confidence, and it’s something I really enjoy,” he says.

A Natural Leader

But Zavier’s impact stretches well beyond the sidelines. Whether he’s helping out around the house, sup­porting his peers, or volunteering in his community, he’s always looking for ways to contribute.

At school, Zavier is part of the Community Creators program – a leadership and civic engagement initiative aimed at inspiring students to realise their gifts and strengths. “For me, school is about more than just lessons,” he explains. “It’s about showing up, making good choices, trying new things, and helping others.”

One of Zavier’s goals? Kick-starting a local inter-school sports competition in the Brighton area. With ideas for basketball, netball, and even futsal, he’s already taking steps to make it a reality. He recently invited Scott Wade from the BGH Breakers to speak with his group for guidance and support.

Speaking Up for His Community

Earlier this year, Zavier joined the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG) and was invited to speak at the Local Government Asso­ciation of Tasmania’s (LGAT) “Sustainable Community Driven Development” workshop. Sharing the stage with global community development leader Cormac Russell and the Jeder Institute’s Fiona Miller, Zavier confidently spoke about his vision for the future to a room full of local government professionals. “It was a big moment,” he admits. “But being part of something bigger, and sharing my hopes, made me feel like I really can make a difference.”

Values That Shine

Zavier believes that leadership is about actions, not titles. “You make change by showing the values you want to see more of,” he says. “Have manners, show respect, help others, care for people. If you give people a chance, you might be surprised what they can do.”

With a deep respect for the environ­ment, Zavier also wants to see “less pollution and more young people learning from our elders.”

His commitment to these values has not gone unnoticed – he’s a frequent recipient of school awards for citizen­ship, leadership, and attendance.

A Future Worth Watching

Zavier Meares is proof that passion, purpose, and a positive attitude can go a long way. Whether he’s scoring goals or helping to shape the future of youth leadership in Brighton, Zavier is setting an inspiring example for his peers – and for the whole com­munity. As more young people like Zavier step up and lean into what it means to lead with heart, the future of Brighton looks brighter than ever.