Stars of Youth Achievement Awards shine
Published on 03 October 2023
Rising stars were shining bright when the City of Tea Tree Gully presented the annual Youth Achievement Awards, showcasing the achievements of dozens of young people from our Council area.
The awards, held last month, are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important role that young people play in our community.
Nominations were received for more than 40 outstanding young people and groups, aged between 12 and 25, who have inspired and motivated themselves and others over the last year.
Chauntelle Wesley, Youth Wellbeing Officer, said, “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight some of the amazing young people we have in the City of Tea Tree Gully. Their leadership, passion and resilience will pave the way for their future personal and professional success and the benefits will flow back to our community.
“My congratulations to each and every one of the trailblazers, change-makers and visionaries of this year’s Youth Achievement Awards. You have inspired us all with your kindness and compassion towards others and dedication to your goals. The City of Tea Tree Gully is immensely proud of you all.”
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Summer Thornton, winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award, said, “I feel incredibly honoured and excited to have been selected as a winner. I applied for the awards because I believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive innovation and create positive social change. I love donating to Transform Cambodia and I saw this opportunity as a way to showcase our business, Garnish, and our achievements. I hope that it inspires other young people to start a business and donate to a charity they are passionate about.”
Caitlin Frasier, winner of the Peer Award and runner up for the Everyday Hero Award, said “After coming back from a broken leg, I was able to represent my state in the hammer throw in Brisbane. I felt really happy to win the award.”
Nominations for next year’s Youth Achievement Awards will open in 2024.
Winners and runners up
Courage Under Fire Award
Recognises a young person who has overcome personal challenges by using their strengths to reach their goals.
Winner: Ruby Maxwell
Runner up: Chloe Carter
Runner up: Noah Meissner
Peer Choice Award
Awarded to a young person who has gone above and beyond to support and encourage others.
Winner: Caitlin Fraser
Runner up: Deborah Baker
Runner up: Aiva Edwards
Giving Back Award
Recognises a young person or group who has shown community spirit through acts of kindness in either volunteering or a community project.
Winner: Ryan Feuerherdt
Runner up: Gabe King and Elliott Geoghegan
Runner up: Chelsea Schar-Grant
Change Maker Award
Awarded to a young person or group who has taken action to resolve issues that have positively contributed to their community.
Winner: Alyssa Naseby,
Runner up: Itay Aharon
Runner up: Chelsea Schar-Grant
Everyday Hero Award
Recognising a young person who may often go unnoticed for their everyday actions.
Winner: Lauren LeCouteur
Runner up: Shradha Angrish
Runner up: Caitlin Frasier
Young Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to a young person who has turned their idea into reality by establishing their own small business.
Winner: Summer Thornton
Runner up: Juwairiah Hanfi
Runner up: Charli Carson
Together We Can Award
Recognises a team of young people who have achieved positive outcomes through meaningful collaboration and team work.
Winner: The Valley View Horticultural Group
Runner up: Arts Club – Banksia Park International High School
Runner up: 2023 Kildare College Student Leadership Team
Creative Community Award
Awarded to a young person or group who through creative arts have used their creative skills to inspire and positively contribute to their community.
Winner: Hayley Frazer
Runner up: Connor Pleasance
Runner up: Erin Lee Katherine Horskins
Learn more about the youth opportunities and programs in the City of Tea Tree Gully.