Byron Bay child prodigy Holley Somerville-Knott has spent a busy year singing up a storm at old peoples’ homes, hospitals, festivals and fundraisers – not to mention the for Bentley protectors.
Just this week the 11-year-old singer, who works in styles as diverse as rap and jazz, performed at the iconic Wangaratta Jazz Festival.
Besides her remarkable talent and confidence for one her age, Holley has another notable attribute: a passion for the environment.
According to her mum, Karol, ‘Holley’s mission is to spread kindness and compassion, educate and inspire people to stand up for what they believe in, unite together and co create a sustainable and peaceful Mother Earth.
‘Holley is particularly passionate about the issue of unconventional gas mining, and campaigns for renewable energy sources to be used instead, she writes songs, she talks with politicians, media and raises awareness on this issue any way she can,’ said Karol.
Just last week Holley was among esteemed company at the Green Globe Awards at Parliament House in Sydney, winning the Youth Sustainability Champion Award.
Karol said the award ‘recognized the large amount of work Holley does with her charity on sustainability, kindness and helping. Holley does a lot of public speaking, song-writing and raising of awareness to inspire people and youth to care about their environment, each other and themselves.’
Not one to rest on her laurels, Holley will shortly be hitting the road again, this time appearing at the Rock the Gate gig at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on November 23, being presented by Lock the Gate in conjunction with the Uplift Festival.
She will appear alongside such big names as The Herd, Ash Grunwald, Pete Murray, Tex Perkins as well as many more.
And Karol says Holley will soon be launching a new initiative in schools nationally and globally, the Institute for Peace & Economics.
Keep your eyes peeled, this kid is going places.