Young creatives celebrated at Moorabool Youth Art Awards

MOORABOOL’S top budding creatives have been honoured at a special awards ceremony.

The Moorabool Youth Art Awards showcased young talent from across the shire on Thursday 20 June at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.

Myrniong’s Natalia Misiti, 14, and Bacchus Marsh resident Natalie Seeger, 13, won Young Artist of the Year, while Tilly Grant and Ruby McLeod, both aged 13 years-old, took home the Rotary Moorabool Shire Spirit Award.

Awards were presented by Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Ally Munari, who lauded the talents of the region’s emerging creatives.

“It was a fantastic evening celebrating the wonderful artwork our young people created,” she said.

Winners were chosen by a panel of expert judges, with creative entries spanning a variety of mediums.

“It was great to see such a variety of work, including sketches, paintings, photography, and crochet,” Cr Munari added.

“We have some talented young artists in our shire, and I congratulate everyone who submitted their work.”

Vaishnavi Poduri, 14, and Jack Clark, 14, were honoured with the Perspectives of Young People Award, celebrating artwork that captured the “diverse perspectives” of the region’s youth.

Winners were given a $150 voucher, with their work exhibited at the Lerderderg Library and the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall throughout June.

In the lead-up to the awards, Moorabool Shire youth coordinator Miff Jennings said the council wanted to provide pathways for young people to nurture their talent.

“What’s exciting is that we know art and having opportunities to create and demonstrate their art in public places gives young people an opportunity to share their perspective,” she said.

“Often that opportunity can be lost a little bit, with media narratives around young people and that sort of thing.

“Getting to see a local perspective through art is pretty powerful, so that’s really the main aim, and making sure we’re providing recognition of young artists.”