Last Friday, November 22nd, we held the first-ever inaugural City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards Ceremony at the Capital Theatre.
The Awards celebrated the amazing contributions of young people across our community, reflecting on the diversity of what makes a leader. Shining a light on the often-unrecognised positive impact young people are making every day both big and small that make our neighbourhood, our city, and our world a better place.
At the ceremony, not only was the room filled with young leaders who had been nominated, but also notable local leaders in attendance, including Deputy Mayor Councillor Abhishek Awasthi, Councillor Karen Corr, Councillor Thomas Prince, and City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney. Youth Councillors, including Youth Mayor Lilly Correll, Deputy Youth Mayors Sean Cox and Levity Camilleri, Youth Councillor Moon Vincent, and Youth Councillor Rohan Tyler, were also present to honour the nominees and winners. The evening was co-hosted by Youth Mayor Lilly Correll and Co-MC Jesse Munzel, whose enthusiasm and energy brought the event to life.
A Welcome to Country was delivered by Troy Firebrace, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, followed by an inspiring keynote address from CEO Andrew Cooney. His message emphasized the importance of nurturing young leaders and the vital role they play in shaping the future of our community.
“The nominees’ commitment in leading, supporting, caring, and achieving in their fields is simply wonderful,” said Cooney. “We need young people like you to remain curious, involved, and engaged – whether here in Greater Bendigo or wherever life may take you, your contribution to the community is valued everywhere.”
The awards recognized a range of outstanding achievements, with winners across six categories: Creativity and Innovation, Contribution to the Community, Excellence in Leadership, Teamwork and Collaboration, Sustainability and Environment, and Inclusion and Equity. As each young person came up to receive their award, we were able to learn about why they were nominated and the amazing things they do, sharing their story, and showcasing how young people are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today.
Key Award Winners:
- Contribution to the Community
- Winner (12-17 years): Ayva Ryan – A proud First Nations student who has made a remarkable impact through her leadership at local events such as the Central Victorian Indigenous Careers Expo, and through her volunteer work with the Korin Gamij Institute AFL9 carnival for First Nations students.
- Winner (18-25 years): Asher Paton – Asher has demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting youth mental health and wellbeing, volunteering extensively with headspace Bendigo and NAIDOC Week events.
- Creativity and Innovation
- Winner (12-17 years): Eli Asta (Wolf) – A talented young musician who has helped bring young people together through music-based community events.
- Winner (18-25 years): Chloe Lovell – Co-Director of the 2024 Cinderella production at Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre, Chloe mentored 56 young performers, promoting self-esteem and social inclusion through the arts.
- Excellence in Leadership
- Winner (12-17 years): Anya Singh – A 13-year-old leader known for her role as an MC at cultural events, her volunteer work at the Eaglehawk Community House, and her position as a member of her school’s Student Representative Council.
- Winner (18-25 years): Pollyanna Smith – With over 10 years of volunteer leadership at Girl Guides Bendigo, Pollyanna also serves as a coach at Bendigo’s Cheer and Dance, and volunteers with the Lord Somers camp program, among other community efforts.
- Inclusion and Equity
- Winner (18-25 years): Eh Thout Kya – As the Youth Project Officer at Bendigo Foodshare, Eh Thout has led initiatives that promote food security and engage young people in community action. Her leadership also extends to the Karen Organisation of Bendigo, where she has supported refugee integration through various community projects.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Winner: Bendigo Karen Youth Network – Recognized for their successful Refuge Week initiative, which fostered awareness and compassion for refugees in partnership with local organizations like Bendigo TAFE and Bendigo Community Health Services.
- Sustainability and Environment
- Winner (18-25 years): Grace Doherty – As the Festival Director for the Bendigo Sustainability Festival, Grace has demonstrated remarkable leadership, inspiring her peers to engage in sustainability efforts through planning and coordinating the festival’s creative programs.
Youth Mayor Lilly Correll closed the event with heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the importance of recognizing young leaders' potential and ability to shape the future. “We are so proud to celebrate these incredible young people tonight,” said Youth Mayor Correll. “Their passion, dedication, and leadership are what makes Greater Bendigo a vibrant and thriving community. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impacts of their efforts".
Guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and networking, with the opportunity to connect with the young leaders and community members who make Bendigo such a dynamic place to live.
For more information on the 2024 City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards and to learn more about the winners’ stories, please visit our website at https://www.yobendigo.com.au/youth-awards
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