Youth achievements in Surf Coast celebrated

FOR 19-year-old James Staley, school was tough. Unable to read or write, he was extremely grateful for the support of his learning aides.

As he got older, James decided he wanted to give the same support back to the community and joined Lorne SES where he’s been their most active member since the pandemic began.

This commitment to community and desire to help people was recognised last month during the seventh annual Surf Coast Council Youth Awards, where he was one of six winners.

“Because I have a disability and can’t read and write, getting a job has been really hard. But since joining the SES I have purpose, and that purpose is to help people,” James said.

“I’ve been with the SES for three years now, I don’t have a driver’s license so I ride my bike to the call outs. I was really shocked to be a winner as there were other first responders there.

“It’s such a good community and I get to help when they’re having a bad day. If there’s a fallen tree, or someone’s broken their leg at Erskine Falls I can help out.

“It is one of the only things I know I am really good at, and helping people makes me happy.”

The event, held at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, was a celebration of young people and their contributions and achievements across the shire’s rural townships and regional community hubs.

This year there were 23 nominations, featuring 47 young people in four categories: Arts, Community, Environment, and Sport. The winners were:

• Arts: Mink Cummins
• Community (three joint winners): James Staley, Jax Wake and Tim Harte
• Environment: Surf Coast Environmental Action Team, and
• Sport: Mia Huppatz

Deputy mayor Liz Pattison said all the young people recognised and nominated were a testament to the talent, ingenuity, and kindness found within the Surf Coast, including the award MCs.

“MCs Cale and Finn from the Cale and Finny Chat Podcast were crowd favourites with their humour bringing plenty of fun to the event, another example of talented young people,” Cr Pattison said.

“It was a really wonderful opportunity to not only hear about their achievements, but appreciate the resilience shown throughout the pandemic and ability to still give back to the community. It was inspiring to see different projects, and above all, a desire to be a positive influence within and beyond their respective townships and communities.”