Youth Affairs Council Victoria named Miss Little as a nominee in the category of young people leading change in rural or regional Victoria.

The nomination stemmed from the work Miss Little performs within the community with Positivitoys.

Miss Little manufactures toys, then sells the items to fund learning and development courses for youths.

Miss Little said the announcement was sudden and surprising.

“There are so many wonderful things people are doing and I was very honoured they picked me and my work,” she said.

Miss Little’s father, Greg Little, said he nominated his daughter for the honour after encouragement from the community.

“Hayley is very humble and has told me she doesn’t need awards for recognition. It makes me very proud to know she just wants to help,” he said.

Five finalists were chosen from across the state.

The awards ceremony is on September 26.