Awards highlight contribution of youth

THE City of Greater Geelong has recognised the positive impact of six young people’s outstanding work at the 2020 Youth Awards.

The awards recognise the contribution of people aged between 12 and 25 have made to the region across six different categories: leadership, equality, inclusion, diversity, education, and the arts.

The Youth Educator Award went to Courtney Hart.

Ms Hart has not only been involved in delivering various programs in her role as Youth Development unit officer but also recently became qualified to teach Mental Health First Aid to schools and groups.

The Equality Award went to Eden Meddick.

Mr Meddick is on committees for Transgender Victoria for the Trans and Gender Diverse Peer Network and SPARK project. He has also been a member of Surf Coast for Equality for five years and has advocated for transgender people to be able to amend their birth certificates.

Anis Gul Mohammad Ali received the Leadership Award. She has assisted with the integration of refugees in Geelong and has advocated for young refugee women in the northern suburbs of Geelong.

The Disability Inclusion Award was given to Chole Hayden for her advocacy for people with autism.

Ms Hayden has created communication cards for those who are non-verbal, as well as a line of sensory-friendly clothing for people with autism or a sensory processing disorder and therefore struggle with certain fabrics and tags.

Bri Apma Hayes received the Diverse Cultural Contribution Award.

Ms Hayes is a proud Arrente woman and a Year 12 FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carrier Leader at Clonard College.

As part of her role with FIRE Ms Hayes mentors younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks to promote discussions about Indigenous history and current issues.

Trinity Hunt received the Arts and Music Award.

She is currently working on her second album after she released her first EP in 2019. She also produces the zine ‘alterego’, which showcases the local youth art scene.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the recipients were reflective of an active young population within the community.

“These awards highlight the incredible calibre of young people we have in our region. They are generous, creative, and talented.

“The achievements and selflessness of these award winners had a large impact on our diverse community, some reaching global audiences.”

Each of the winners received a trophy along with $1,000 to support their ongoing interests an education.