Another successful City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards was delivered on November 21st, with over 100 attendees. The room was filled with inspiring young people, their supportive families, community members, Councillors, Youth Councillors, and City of Greater Bendigo representatives, including CEO Andrew Cooney and Healthy Communities and Environments Director Jess Howard. All were there to celebrate young people who have accomplished amazing things and made incredible contributions to the community, representing exactly what the Youth Awards are all about.

The Youth Awards recognise young people aged 12–25 years who volunteer, mentor, support others, or create initiatives that positively impact the Greater Bendigo community. These awards shine a light on those who consistently show up and make a difference, often in ways that aren’t captured by traditional academic awards. For many nominees, this is the first award they have ever received.

Below we have included all the finalists who were nominated for a City of Greater Bendigo Youth Award in 2025, along with a brief description of their incredible efforts, achievements, and contributions that continue to inspire others.

2025 Youth Awards Finalists 

Contribution to Community (12–17 years)

• Phannika Finnerty – Dedicated over 500 volunteer hours with Reflections at Eppalock, supporting carers, preparing respite spaces, and sharing her lived experience to raise awareness of autism and dementia. Whether planting gardens, helping at events, or sharing her story, Phannika’s presence lifts others. 
   
• Alyssa Woods – A passionate youth mental health advocate through headspace Bendigo, Alyssa volunteers at events and previously helped transform an old church into a youth hub with Fusion, creating safe spaces for young people.
   
• Ari Bursac – A quiet yet powerful leader who volunteers as a karate instructor, mentors other young people, supports his sister through medical challenges, and promotes sustainability as a school Environmental Leader.

Contribution to Community (18–25 years)

• Grace Whitsed – Showed exceptional leadership and creativity in Bendigo Theatre Company’s School of Rock, stepping into key roles and helping deliver the company’s most successful post-COVID production.
   
• Willion – Arriving in Australia alone, Willion overcame language barriers to mentor youth, create mental health resources, and support refugee programs through Bendigo Community Health Services.
   
• Laura Power – Transformed South Bendigo Football Netball Club through leadership in social media, events, and fundraising, earning the 2024 Barrett Family Netball Award, and being an inspiring role model to others through supporting her community.
   
• Jaksen Seymour – Began coaching at 15 after illness ended his playing career.
  Now coaches four teams, volunteers weekly, and inspires youth athletes through Basketball Victoria programs.
   
• Ava Parker – Directed the Bendigo Sustainability Festival and continues to lead sustainability initiatives, youth engagement, and public speaking projects that drive meaningful change.
   

Creativity & Innovation (12-17 years)

• Zak Westcott – Zak created an impressive stop-motion film through the 2025 Create Lab program, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and storytelling talent in a challenging medium. His work inspires other young creatives to embrace new opportunities.

• Grace Whitsed – Grace showed exceptional creativity and leadership in Bendigo Theatre Company’s School of Rock, stepping into key roles and helping deliver the company’s most successful post-COVID production. Her adaptability and commitment inspired peers and adults alike.

Creativity & Innovation (18-25 years)

• Annelise Henderson – Annelise uplifts emerging artists through her involvement with Rookie Gallery, Cut + Paste Festival, and other creative projects. Her professionalism and encouragement help young people feel confident exploring and expressing their creativity.

• Liza Edwards "Lj" –  demonstrates out-of-the-box thinking through initiatives that transform student wellbeing at Bendigo TAFE. From pre-packed food share bags to QR code systems for hygiene supplies and inclusive event planning, her creative solutions make campus life more accessible and supportive.
   
• Terri Flaherty – A proud First Nations young woman, Terri uses art and storytelling to innovate and inspire. From painting and film to a bold laneway mural, her work celebrates culture and identity while driving creative leadership in her community.

Excellence & Leadership (18-25 Years)

• Georgia Brown – Georgia is a supportive leader in junior baseball, admired for her kindness and resilience. Her achievements at the club, state, and national levels make her a role model who inspires confidence and teamwork among young athletes.

• Noah Hadden – Noah volunteers nearly every night, coaching basketball teams, including All-Abilities, while also playing football and cricket. As a proud young Aboriginal man, he promotes culture through the Korin Gamadji Institute and mentors peers with respect and integrity.

• Ari Bursac – Ari balances volunteering as a karate instructor, sustainability leadership, music performance, and academic excellence with humility and strength. His ability to manage diverse commitments while giving back to his community makes him an inspiring example of resilience and generosity.

• Archer Etherton – Archer is a calm, confident baseball leader who supports teammates, assists coaches, and promotes the sport through community events. His reliability and composure under pressure have earned him respect across all levels of the club.

• Zacchary Banks-Broome – Zacchary is a passionate baseball player and role model who supports younger players and sets a positive example. His resilience and commitment to learning make him a valued leader within his sporting community.

Excellence & Leadership (18-25 years)

• Phoebe Martin – Phoebe inspires women in sport through coaching, volunteering, and advocacy, breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. Representing Victoria nationally, she demonstrates professionalism and passion while mentoring others and promoting gender equity.

• Laura Power – Laura has transformed South Bendigo Football Netball Club through visionary leadership in communications, events, and fundraising. Her creativity and resilience, especially while managing commitments during injury, have strengthened community engagement and inspired others.
   

Sustainability & Environment (12-17 years)

• Ari Bursac – Ari promotes sustainability as Environmental Leader, creating awareness campaigns, planting native trees, and modelling eco-friendly practices. His leadership encourages peers to take action for a greener future.

Sustainability & Environment (18-25 years)

• Ava Parker – Ava co-directs the Bendigo Sustainability Festival, driving meaningful environmental change and youth engagement. Through public speaking and hands-on volunteering, she builds intergenerational connections and inspires community-wide action.
   

Inclusion & Equity (18-25 years)

• Terri Flaherty – Terri creates safe, inclusive spaces through cultural leadership, art, and advocacy. Her courage and creativity uplift First Nations voices and foster pride and connection across her community.
   

Group Achievement

• Bailey & Lailah – Bailey and Lailah made a real difference by organising a winter food and blanket drive for local animal shelters, supporting BARC, BAWCS, and Kelly’s Rabbit Warren Rescue. They showed outstanding leadership by managing every step of the project. 
   

• headspace Bendigo Youth Ambassador Group – A dedicated team of 11 young volunteers passionate about youth mental health and wellbeing. They provide a strong voice for young people, shaping services and creating welcoming, inclusive spaces through audits, governance, and community engagement, proving that collaboration can drive real change.
   

• Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre Student Leadership Crew – Seven young leaders dedicated six months to building an inclusive, supportive environment for over 100 participants during The Music Man production. Through creativity, teamwork, and thoughtful initiatives, they fostered belonging and community spirit, proving the power of youth leadership in the arts.

Do you know a young person making a difference?
Nominations for the next City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards open mid-year 2026. If you know someone who volunteers, supports others, or leads positive change, keep them in mind and help us celebrate their impact by nominating them. Every contribution—big or small—helps make our community stronger and more connected. These young people deserve recognition for the incredible ways they inspire and create a Greater Bendigo every day.