Youth achievement awards
Let's celebrate young people!
Applications for our Youth Achievement Awards 2026 are now closed. Nominations for 2027 will open in April.
The City of Tea Tree Gully's Youth Achievement Awards are an opportunity to formally acknowledge and celebrate the everyday achievements of local young people, aged 12 to 25.
The awards recognise the important role that young people play in the community. Prizes are awarded to winners for each category.
Courage Under Fire
A person who has overcome personal challenges by using their strengths to reach their goals.
Selection criteria
- The nominee has shown courage and determination when facing difficult, stressful or high-pressure situations.
- The nominee remained calm, focused, or resilient despite hard times.
- The nominee took positive action that helped themselves or others during a challenging moment.
- The nominee demonstrated determination or bravery that inspired those around them.
Everyday Hero
A person who may often go unnoticed for their everyday actions and is deserving of being recognised.
Selection criteria
- The nominee showed kindness, support, or care in everyday situations that made life easier for others.
- The nominee stepped up to help when people need it, even without being asked or recognised.
- The nominee makes a positive difference through small, meaningful actions that improve someone’s day or wellbeing.
- The nominee is someone others can rely on, bringing positivity, encouragement, comfort or practical support.
Peer Choice
A person who has gone above and beyond to support and encourage other people.
Selection criteria
- The nominee has used their initiative and gone above expectations of what was required.
- The nominee encouraged people around them to do their best.
- The nominee showed positive leadership by guiding or supporting others.
- The nominee has made a positive impact to others, their environment or their community.
Young Entrepreneur
A person or group who has turned their idea into reality by establishing their own small business.
Selection criteria
- The nominee has shown initiative by turning their idea into a reality, as a product, service or business.
- The nominee has demonstrated commitment and effort in running or growing their small business.
- The nominee showed creativity or problem‑solving in how they developed or improved their idea.
- The nominee’s business has made a positive impact on customers, their community, or their own personal growth.
Giving Back
A person/group who has shown community spirit and acts of kindness through either volunteering or a community project.
Selection criteria
- The nominee has contributed their time or skills to support others through volunteering or community service.
- The nominee demonstrated their commitment to helping their community in a fair and inclusive way.
- The nominee’s efforts have created a positive impact for individuals, groups or the wider community.
- The nominee inspires gratitude or appreciation through their ongoing service.
Together We Can
For a dynamic team who have achieved positive outcomes through meaningful collaboration and team work.
Selection criteria
- The team identified a challenge or goal and worked together by brainstorming, listening, and cooperation.
- The team collaborated effectively to overcome obstacles and problem‑solve as a group.
- The team achieved positive outcomes through their shared effort and teamwork.
- The team supported one another and contributed to a positive, inclusive team environment.
Creative Community
A person or group who through creative arts have used their skills to inspire and positively contribute to their community.
Selection criteria
- The nominee applied creative skills or innovative thinking to develop original work, projects, or solutions.
- The nominee demonstrated skills and talent in their chosen creative practice.
- The nominee shares their creativity with the community through exhibitions, performances, workshops, or public spaces.
- The nominee uses their creative work or ideas to positively contribute to, uplift, inspire or positively engage their community.
Change Maker
A person or group who has taken action to resolve issues that have positively contributed to their community.
Selection criteria
- The nominee has identified an issue, or need in their community and taken meaningful action to address it.
- The nominee has shown courage, initiative, determination in driving positive change.
- The nominee’s actions have created a clear, positive impact for individuals, groups, or the wider community.
- The nominee has inspired others or encouraged community involvement through their efforts.
Nominations
Who can be nominated?
The person nominated must meet the following criteria
- Lives, studies, works, volunteers or is a member of a club within the City of Tea Tree Gully
- Is aged between 12 and 25 years
- Has accomplished these achievements during the last 18 months.
What are the benefits to being nominated?
By being nominated, the nominee will be acknowledged and recognised for their efforts and contribution to their community.
How many times can one person be nominated?
A young person or group may be nominated for a maximum of two categories. If you wish to nominate a young person or a group for a second award category, please complete a new nomination form.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, you can. Simply fill in your information as both the nominee and the nominator.
Can I nominate a group?
Yes, you can. Simply fill out the information for the group instead of an individual.
How many questions do I have to answer in the nomination form?
There are three questions in the nomination form that are about the reason you're nominating the nominee, the actions the nominee took and their impact on their community. Each question has a 150 word maximum limit. Nominators may also submit supporting documents such as news articles, social media links or photos.
Why do you need my/the nominee's contact details?
So we can contact you, if you or the person you have nominated are a finalist.
Finalist information
Who selects the winners?
The panel consists of the City of Tea Tree Gully's General Manager of Community Services, a young person from the Youth Leadership Program and a Council volunteer.
What are the prizes?
Prizes are awarded for each category.
- First prize in each category wins a $150 voucher.
- Two runners-up in each category win a $50 voucher.
What happens if I win?
Winners will be announced at the Youth Achievement Awards ceremony and will be presented with their award on stage. The names and photos of winners may be published on Council's website, social media or other publications.
How can this help my future?
There are a variety of ways this recognition can benefit a young person's future. Winning the award, becoming a finalist or receiving a nomination highlights the nominee's talents, values, problem solving skills, and the positive impact they've made on their community. They can include the award or award nomination on their resume, university applications, or applications to other programs or grants.
Awards ceremony 2027
Where and when will the awards ceremony be held?
The Youth Achievement Awards ceremony will be held at The Tea Tree Suites & Convention Centre in August 2027.
How many tickets to the awards ceremony does a finalist receive?
- Individual finalists will receive four complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony.
- Group finalists will receive five complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony per group.
Can I buy an extra ticket to the awards ceremony?
If you require an additional ticket to the awards ceremony outside of the complimentary allocation, please contact us.
Our 2026 Youth Achievement Awards have now been fully sponsored. Applications for 2027 will open in April 2027.
The City of Tea Tree Gully’s Youth Achievement Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of young people aged 12–25 who live, work, study or volunteer in our community. These awards recognise those who show leadership, resilience, creativity and a commitment to making a positive impact.
- Awards ceremony: August 2027
- Where: The Tea Tree Suites and Convention Centre
Each award category includes a prize - $150 prize for the winner and $50 each for two runner-ups, acknowledging the valuable efforts of multiple young people in each field.
By sponsoring the Youth Achievement Awards, your business can connect with local families, schools and community leaders. It's a great way to show support for youth development, gain local exposure and make a real impact.
Congratulations to our Youth Achievement Awards 2026 winners and nominees
Courage Under Fire
Sponsored by Cafe Verde
Winner: Nico Atkins
Runner up: Kobe James Green
Runner up: Sienna Ross
Everyday Hero
Sponsored by My Local Physio Plus
Winner: Grace Castles
Runner up: Phoebe Connolly
Runner up: Melanie Filmer
Giving Back
Sponsored by Lions Club of Golden Grove
Winner: Oliver Peck and Luke Hayter
Runner up: Alessia Russo
Runner up: Lara Woolford
Change Maker
Sponsored by Kumon Modbury
Winner: Alessia Russo
Runner up: Oliver Shephard-Bayly
Runner up: Kildare College - Advocacy Captains
Creative Community
Sponsored by Tea Tree Players Theatre
Winner: Mia Todd
Runner up: Lachlan Sullivan
Runner up: Melanie Filmer
Young Entrepreneur
Sponsored by The Grove Shopping Centre
Winner: Huon Gifford
Runner up: Mia Todd
Runner up: Ruby Maxwell
Together We Can
Sponsored by Datacom
Winner: Tea Tree Gully Homeschool High School Group
Runner up: Valley View Horticultural Team
Runner up: Kildare College - Peer Support Leaders
Peer Choice
Sponsored by Benefitness & Health
Winner: Cassandra Hoare
Runner up: Caitlin Milanowski
Runner up: Brianna Shaw
