Youth Achievement Awards
A young woman who has turned compassion into action for people doing it tough won the Change Maker category at last night’s City of Tea Tree Gully Youth Achievement Awards.
Alessia Russo was recognised for raising awareness of period poverty, helping prepare meals for people experiencing homelessness and for her passion for social justice and refugee rights.
“Alessia is an inspiration to young people through her genuine commitment to helping others,” said Mayor Marijka Ryan.
About 50 nominations were received for the awards, with category winners receiving $150 vouchers.
The City of Tea Tree Gully 2026 Youth Leadership Group hosted the event at The Tea Tree.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners and Runners-up
Courage under fire
Sponsored by Cafe Verde
Winner: Nico Atkins.
Runners-up: Kobe Green, Sienna Ross.
Peer choice
Sponsored by Benefitness & Health Centre
Winner: Cassandra Hoare.
Runners-up: Caitlin Milanowski, Brianna Shaw.
Creative community
Sponsored by Tea Tree Players Theatre
Winner: Mia Todd.
Runners-up: Lachlan Sullivan, Melanie Filmer.
Giving back
Sponsored by Lions Club of Golden Grove
Winner: Oliver Peck and Luke Hayter.
Runner up: Alessia Russo, Lara Woolford
Together we can
Sponsored by Datacom
Winner: Tea Tree Gully Homeschool High School Group
Runners-up: Valley View Horticultural Team, Kildare College Peer Support Leaders
Everyday hero
Sponsored by My Local Physio Plus
Winner: Grace Castles
Runners-up: Phoebe Connolly, Melanie Filmer
Young entrepreneur
Sponsored by the Grove Shopping Centre
Winner: Huon Gifford
Runners-up: Mia Todd, Ruby Maxwell
Change maker
Sponsored by Kumon Modbury Education Centre
Winner: Alessia Russo
Runners-up: Oliver Shephard-Bayly, Kildare College Advocacy Captains
