City’s exceptional young people celebrated

THE virtual 2020 Ballarat Youth Awards acknowledged young people achieving excellence throughout the city last Friday.

Nine young people were awarded for their work and leadership in varying areas, from arts, to sport, to STEM.

Karissa Cribbes took out three categories as a volunteer for the Centre for Multicultural Youth; the major 18 to 25 award, influential artist sponsored by Wendouree Centre For Performing Arts and positive leader sponsored by Ballarat YMCA.

“I didn’t expect to win any awards on the night. I was watching at home with my dad…and when they read out my name, I was really confused,” she said.

“One of my friends came on and spoke about why I was nominated and why I won. I had no idea it would be me, so I’m really, really grateful.

“It’s so strange how other people recognise what I’ve done without me recognising it.”

Ms Cribbes was nominated as an influential artist for 200 paper cranes she created representing women who had died from domestic violence.

They were exhibited in a show born of the Lead Yourself, Lead Others women’s empowerment and gender equality program through CMY.

A community leader, Ms Cribbes is part of the CMY Youth Advisory Group, the Regional Advisory Council for the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and Federation University’s Multicultural Student Committee.

“Everything I’m involved in is with a group. Being recognised in the awards is really lovely, but it’s definitely deserved by all the people that I work with. They are their awards as much as they are mine,” she said.

Kieran Payne was successful in the challenge and change category, CMY’s Awa won the group project award, Dominique Sharp was celebrated for her leadership in sport, and Ethan Sculley took home the compassion and care gong, and the major 12 to 17 award.

Escher Russel was recognised as a youth volunteer, Eliza Wallace was awarded for her STEM work, Daniel Ferguson was named young entrepreneur, and Nikki Bell is 2020’s celebrated adult ally worker.

Almost 3800 people have viewed the Youth Awards online via Facebook, which also included musical performances.

“It was really fun to watch and done really well. My dad and I were gripped,” Ms Cribbes laughed.

Nominees will all receive badges, and certificates and gift cards will be posted to all award winners.