Celebrating YOUth Awards Night

Biak won this award for her admirable perseverance in the face of adversity and difficulty. Biak is a Burmese refugee, and having arrived in Australia with very limited English skills and missing several years of formal education, she had to work much harder than her peers to catch up and keep up. Not only has she experienced hardship, she has maintained a positive mindset and work ethic, determined to use her education to help her family and community.

During covid, Blaise, Oskar and Geordie started their own video production company. Noticing a gap in the market for local talented videographers, they seized the opportunity and created OBG Productions. Through their skill, professionalism, and hard work, they have not only fulfilled but exceeded customer expectations. They go above and beyond, are incredibly accomplished and produce exceptional work. They’re on their way to building an empire.  

Harry, Teddy, Jessy, Kirsten and Razz have been awarded for their volunteer work with the Rural Rainbows peer support group, facilitating fortnightly groups for LGBTQIA+ young people in the Yarra Ranges. They have helped create a safe inclusive space for young people to be themselves, make friends, gain self confidence, and have fun. They are great role-models and display strong leadership skills, respect and validation to best support the well-being of LGBTQIA+ young people in the region. 

Telita is very passionate about making things fair, especially around indigenous issues. Using her passion and knowledge, she contributed to the Youth Parliament group and helped write the Bill that all schools should have mandatory Reconciliation Action Plans. While dealing with her own personal challenges and adversity, she always faces things with a positive attitude. 

Candice was nominated for her advocacy efforts toward meaningful environmental inclusion for young people. Alongside her studies in Botany, she draws attention to the issue of litter by being a litter fairy and tries in a multitude of other ways to impact the environment and community around her in a positive way.  

Hayden won the Creative Arts award for his dedicated work with the Misfit Project, an organisation that gives creative youth an outlet. Hayden has been heavily involved in the Misfits theatre programs, campaigns, and camps. He is a passionate individual when it comes to creativity, self-expression, youth voice, and encouraging others self-confidence through creative pathways.