Ms Prasad was among a handful of Brimbank residents presented with an Australia Day award at a ceremony on January 18.

The council awards, presented across six categories, celebrate the achievements and contributions of the city's residents.

The 18-year-old was honoured for her work in the community while studying in year 12 at Overnewton Anglican Community College in Keilor last year.

She worked on the college's student executive leadership team and helped raise more than $2000 for World Vision by organising a 40-Hour Famine event at the school.

She also co-ordinated a week-long walking school bus program for junior pupils.

Ms Prasad was among a select group of students at her school to achieve an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of more than 90 and will soon start a double commerce-law degree at Deakin University.

She says while her studies will take up most of her time, she wants to remain active in the community.

"I'm thinking about becoming a tutor for kids from migrant backgrounds living in Brimbank," she says.

"It was a big surprise to win the award and it has motivated me to do more for others. I'd also like to volunteer with groups that help disadvantaged teenagers and people living with mental illnesses."

Ms Prasad was on hand to help hand out certificates to more than 150 new citizens at the council's citizenship ceremony at Kevin Wheelahan Gardens in Sunshine on Thursday.

As reported by the Weekly, Brimbank's citizen of the year award went to Senior Constable Gerard Dickinson.