At just 22 years of age, Nipuni already has a long list of achievements and ACT Young Australian of the Year is just one of them.

Nipuni is a young woman who believes everyone in our community should have meaningful employment, no matter their age or disability.

 

Born and raised in Canberra, Nipuni is one of four girls. Her middle sister Gayana, is a beautiful 16-year-old girl with Down syndrome. Concerned at the lack of meaningful employment opportunities for Gayana, Nipuni and her family established a floristry business that employs people with special needs.

 

"It started in the bathroom and then we moved all the way to the garden shed! It provides meaningful employment for Gayana and business is blooming," said Nipuni.

 

Nipuni, who also has a career in journalism and communications, is committed to showing other families that they too can take a proactive approach in creating opportunities for their loved ones. 

 

GG's Flowers now employs other people with special needs to work alongside Gayana. The duo hopes to expand the business to one day go national.

 

"Meaningful employment for people with special needs is absolutely vital in our community. To provide a little bit of love, compassion and support for those with special needs doesn't cost us much - but it honestly changes their lives," 

said Nipuni.

 

Nipuni is also a volunteer crisis counsellor for Lifeline Australia and has been providing crisis counselling since she was 17.