The Geelong Youth Awards celebrates young people and volunteers who have made and/or are currently making significant contributions in the community.

Announcement
2026 Award Winners
- Active Achievement Award: Marli Milne
Marli Milne, 18, has been recognised for her leadership in sport and dedication to empowering young athletes. Through coaching, mentoring and the creation of inclusive sporting programs, Marli has helped young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging while encouraging lifelong participation in physical activity.
- Arts and Music Award: Kiarra Ifka
Kiarra Ifka, 16, has been recognised for using creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy and inclusion. Through poetry, storytelling and public speaking, Kiarra has raised awareness of neurodiversity, challenged perceptions and inspired meaningful conversations about belonging, understanding and acceptance.
- Citizenship Award: Novalie Morris
Novalie Morris, 13, has been recognised for her extraordinary courage, advocacy and commitment to helping others. Despite ongoing health challenges, Novalie has used her experiences to improve the lives of young patients and families through hospital advocacy, fundraising and community leadership. Through her Bee Brave initiative, she has raised more than $30,000 for hospitals and support organisations while inspiring hope, resilience and connection across the community.
- Cultural Awareness Award: Kailani Jones & Nazanin Husseini (Joint winners)
Kailani Jones, 17, has been recognised for her leadership in celebrating and promoting First Nations culture within her school community. Through her involvement in NAIDOC Week activities and cultural education initiatives, Kailani has helped foster greater understanding, connection and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Nazanin Husseini, 15, has been recognised for her commitment to cultural inclusion and community connection. Drawing on her own experiences, Nazanin has supported refugee and migrant families, shared her story to promote understanding and helped create a stronger sense of belonging for people from diverse backgrounds.
- Innovation Award: Revant Pandey
Revant Pandey, 16, has been recognised for his innovative approach to solving real-world challenges through technology. From developing practical technology solutions to supporting younger students through mentoring and tutoring, Revant combines technical excellence with a strong commitment to community impact.
- Inspiration Award: Quinnie Westwood
Quinnie Westwood, 12, has been recognised for her extraordinary resilience, determination and generosity. Despite significant health challenges, Quinnie has excelled in sport, represented Australia internationally and dedicated countless hours to fundraising, advocacy and supporting other young people and families facing difficult circumstances.
- Leadership Award: Ella Bone & Mehdi Mohammad Aref (Joint winners)
Ella Bone, 19, has been recognised for transforming her lived experience into powerful advocacy for young people in out-of-home care. Through leadership roles, community engagement and youth representation, Ella has helped shape services, amplify young voices and create positive change for vulnerable young people.
Mehdi Mohammad Aref, 18, has been recognised for his outstanding leadership, volunteer service and commitment to supporting multicultural communities. Through interpreting, mentoring and community advocacy, Mehdi has helped newly arrived families build connections and thrive while promoting inclusion and belonging.
- Unsung Hero Award: Jessica Missen
Jessica Missen, 21, has been recognised for her selfless dedication to supporting others through volunteering, mentoring and caring responsibilities. Whether delivering meals to families in need through Lasagna Love, mentoring university students or volunteering at major community events, Jessica consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference. Her quiet acts of kindness have had a significant impact across the Geelong community.
- Volunteer Award – Working with young people: Madeleine Lowe
Madeleine Lowe, 20, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to St John Ambulance Youth. Through mentoring, training and supporting young volunteers, Madeleine has helped countless young people develop first aid skills, confidence and leadership capabilities. Her dedication has fostered a welcoming and empowering environment for young people across the region.
- Special Recognition Award: Farzana Mohammad Aref
Farzana Mohammad Aref, 19, has been recognised for her outstanding achievements in STEM, multicultural leadership and community service. An internationally recognised young leader, Farzana has dedicated her time to supporting refugee and migrant communities while inspiring others through advocacy, mentoring and education.
- Special Recognition Award: Isabella Harvey
Isabella Harvey, 17, has been recognised for her exceptional advocacy, leadership and commitment to youth participation. Through her involvement in Youth Parliament, the City of Greater Geelong Youth Advisory Council and community initiatives, Isabella has championed young people's voices and contributed to positive change across the region.
2026 Award Nominees
Congratulations to all our nominees and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination.
Abbasi Rehman.
Abbasi is a dedicated mentor, educator and coach who creates positive opportunities for young people through sport, leadership and community involvement.
Abdul Aziz (Abdul) Souleymane.
Abdul is a dedicated young leader who uses his lived experience, community involvement and commitment to supporting others to foster inclusion, connection and opportunity for young people.
Áine Jones.
Áine is a passionate arts leader whose dedication to supporting live music, emerging artists and youth events has made a significant contribution to Geelong’s creative community.
Alex Barrios.
Alex is a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture whose international learning experiences, research and community leadership are helping shape a more sustainable future.
Alexander Scott.
Alexander transformed his experience of bullying into the not-for-profit initiative Shoot For Kindness, Blockout Bullying, inspiring thousands of young people to stand up for kindness, inclusion and positive change.
Ali Agha Wali Zada.
Ali Agha is an award-winning multicultural leader who brings communities together through advocacy, education and inclusion initiatives while creating stronger opportunities for culturally diverse young people.
Ali Mehdi Ameer Muhammad.
Ali Mehdi is a community-minded young person whose leadership, resilience and willingness to support others make a positive contribution to those around him.
Ali Sina Wali Zada.
Ali Sina is a dedicated educator, mentor and volunteer who supports students with additional needs, promotes multicultural inclusion and empowers young people through leadership and sport.
Annika Arul.
Annika is a passionate and driven young leader who consistently demonstrates kindness, initiative and a commitment to creating positive outcomes for her community.
Anusha Kendre.
Anusha is an emerging young leader whose student-led initiatives, commitment to student voice and passion for creating supportive school communities have benefited hundreds of students.
Arnav Jaswal.
Arnav is a positive and community-minded young leader who promotes inclusion, cultural understanding and youth engagement while encouraging others to make a meaningful difference in their community.
Ayush Singh.
Arnav is a positive and community-minded young leader who promotes inclusion, cultural understanding and youth engagement while encouraging others to make a meaningful difference in their community.
Bella Manton.
Bella is an inspiring young achiever whose enthusiasm, leadership and dedication to helping others have made a positive impact within her school and community.
Belle Strahan.
Belle is a humble and compassionate community champion who has raised more than $25,000 for children's health causes while inspiring others through her resilience, volunteer service and dedication to giving back.
Brianna Binns.
Brianna is an outstanding para-athlete whose record-breaking swimming achievements, sportsmanship and commitment to giving back make her an inspiring role model for young people.
Buddy Guilford.
Buddy is a respected student leader who uses his voice, initiative and commitment to inclusion to create a positive and welcoming school community.
Caden Blewett.
Caden is a motivated and community-focused young person who leads by example through his commitment, integrity and willingness to contribute to those around him.
Claire Elder.
Claire is a compassionate and dedicated young leader who uses her skills, initiative and community spirit to create positive experiences for others.
Darby Travers.
Darby is an enthusiastic community broadcaster whose creativity, volunteer service and commitment to local media have helped strengthen community connections throughout Geelong.
David Pashio.
David is a dedicated volunteer and mentor whose unwavering support of young people, refugees and new arrivals has helped countless community members feel welcomed, connected and valued.
Dillion Flatt.
Dillion is a committed young community contributor whose positive attitude, resilience and eagerness to support others make him a valued role model.
Dilraj Singh.
Dilraj is a thoughtful and resilient young leader whose commitment to supporting others, embracing cultural understanding and creating a positive school environment makes him a valued role model.
Ebonee Millsteed.
Ebonee is an enthusiastic and caring young leader whose dedication to community participation and supporting others reflects her strong sense of service.
Elias Lee.
Elias uses their lived experience of neurodiversity and chronic illness to empower young people through mentoring, education and advocacy, creating safe and supportive environments for students across regional Victoria.
Ella Bone.
Ella is an inspiring advocate whose lived experience, leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for young people in care are creating meaningful and lasting change across the community.
Elodie Barker.
Elodie is a talented and community-minded young person who brings creativity, leadership and a positive influence to every opportunity she undertakes.
Elsie Tischler.
Elsie is a compassionate peer leader who has transformed her personal challenges into opportunities to support, mentor and encourage other young people to achieve their best.
Farzana Mohammad Aref.
Farzana is an exceptional young leader, STEM advocate and bicultural worker who has represented Australia internationally, empowered refugee and multicultural communities, and inspired others through her resilience, advocacy and commitment to inclusion.
Fred Buckley.
Fred is a committed community contributor who has led fundraising and social justice initiatives, supported local and international communities, and encouraged others to take action for important causes.
Hameed Rehman.
Hameed is a resilient and authentic young leader who uses his lived experience to advocate for inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity for young people from refugee and multicultural backgrounds.
Harriet Salkeld.
Harriet is an inspiring young leader whose commitment to personal excellence and community involvement encourages others to pursue their goals with confidence.
Heidi Celik.
Heidi is a passionate and dedicated young contributor who demonstrates leadership, resilience and a genuine commitment to making a difference in her community.
Imogen O'Shannessy.
Imogen is a passionate advocate for youth participation and inclusion who has created opportunities for young people to be heard through community leadership, international representation and her social enterprise, Be Loud and Queer.
Irelynn Melvin-Evans.
Irelynn is a thoughtful and enthusiastic young leader who consistently supports others while contributing positively to her school and wider community.
Isabell O'Neil.
Drawing on her own lived experience, Isabell has become a compassionate youth worker and advocate who supports young people with complex needs and helps them navigate challenges with confidence.
Isabella (Bella) Harvey.
Bella is a compassionate and motivated young person whose leadership and commitment to helping others continue to inspire those around her.
Isabella Watts.
Isabella is an accomplished surf lifesaver and youth leader who combines sporting excellence, community service and advocacy to inspire and support the next generation of lifesavers.
Isobella Fitzpatrick.
Isobella is a dedicated Scout leader and emerging outdoor educator whose years of volunteer service have helped young people develop confidence, leadership and life skills.
Jack Benci.
Jack is a dedicated young leader who demonstrates initiative, teamwork and a strong commitment to supporting both his peers and community.
Jake Spoors.
Jake is an active and community-minded young person whose leadership, perseverance and willingness to help others make a meaningful impact.
Jeremy Palmer.
Jeremy is a dedicated mentor and community advocate whose leadership across wellbeing, homelessness support, multicultural engagement and volunteering has strengthened connections throughout Greater Geelong.
Jessica Missen.
Jessica is a compassionate volunteer whose service through community support programs, mentoring and caregiving reflects a deep commitment to helping others during challenging times.
Jonathon Punchard.
Jonathon is an outstanding volunteer and young leader whose extensive service across surf lifesaving, mental health awareness, youth mentoring, community advocacy and sport has positively impacted countless people across Geelong.
Judd Smith.
Judd is an outstanding young role model who combines leadership, community spirit and determination to positively influence those around him.
Kailani Jones.
Kailani has played a leading role in celebrating and promoting First Nations culture within her school community, creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect with and learn from Indigenous culture.
Kashvi Shetty.
Kashvi is an exceptional community contributor whose volunteering, coaching, fundraising and service to others has positively impacted people both locally and internationally.
Katee-Lee Moait.
Katee-Lee is a passionate advocate and community contributor whose commitment to supporting others reflects her generosity, resilience and leadership.
Kiarra Ifka.
Kiarra is a courageous advocate who uses her lived experience, poetry and public speaking to champion inclusion, amplify the voices of neurodivergent young people and inspire positive change.
Kingsley Beach.
Kingsley is a motivated young leader whose dedication, positive attitude and service to others have strengthened the community around him.
Lana Karlusic.
Lana is a talented singer-songwriter and performer who is building an impressive music career while proudly showcasing Geelong’s emerging creative talent on national and international stages.
Levi Barron.
Levi is a dedicated and hardworking young person who consistently demonstrates leadership, integrity and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Liv Guise.
Liv is an exceptional young volunteer whose leadership in surf lifesaving and sport has built confidence, safety and belonging for younger athletes across her community.
Livinia Ryan.
Livinia is an inspiring young contributor whose compassion, leadership and community involvement create meaningful opportunities for others.
Lloyd Plunkett.
Lloyd is a committed student leader whose willingness to serve his school and community through leadership, volunteering and hard work has made a lasting impact on those around him.
Lucas Obrien.
Lucas is a positive and community-focused young leader who uses his skills and enthusiasm to support and encourage those around him.
Lucinda Jin.
Lucinda is a creative and caring volunteer who has supported refugee-background children through tutoring, mentorship and educational resources while also excelling in the arts.
Madeleine Lowe.
Madeleine is an outstanding St John Ambulance leader whose dedication to mentoring, training and supporting young volunteers has strengthened youth leadership and first aid education across the region.
Maeve Clapinski.
Maeve is a passionate and community-minded young person whose leadership and dedication continue to enrich the lives of others.
Marcus Lee.
Marcus is a passionate musician, educator and cultural ambassador who is preserving and promoting the art of bagpiping through performance, teaching and community engagement both locally and internationally.
Marli Milne.
Marli is a passionate coach, mentor and entrepreneur who empowers young athletes through sport, helping build confidence, resilience and leadership in the next generation.
Mason McKnight.
Mason is a determined and engaged young leader who consistently contributes to his community while encouraging others to get involved and make a difference.
Masooma Sabah.
Masooma is an inspiring young student whose resilience, kindness and commitment to supporting her peers make her a valued role model within her community.
Mathanki Mehra.
Mathanki is a researcher, mentor and STEM leader who is empowering young people through science, mentorship and community engagement while fostering belonging and opportunity for others.
Mathilda Garrido Lucay.
Mathilda is an outstanding servant leader whose warmth, resilience and dedication to community, faith and youth leadership have made a lasting impact on those around her.
Maxwell Clark.
Maxwell is a dedicated young achiever whose leadership, initiative and positive attitude contribute strongly to his community.
Mehdi Mohammad Aref.
Mehdi is a resilient and compassionate young leader who uses his multilingual skills, volunteer service, student leadership and advocacy to support refugees, migrants and young people while building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Mohammad Husseini.
Mohammad is a compassionate young leader whose work in multicultural advocacy, Refugee Week initiatives and youth representation has helped create a stronger sense of belonging for young people across Geelong.
Muhammad Habib.
Muhammad is a hardworking and emerging young leader whose commitment to personal growth, school leadership and community involvement inspires those around him.
Muskan Karanjeet.
Muskan is a passionate community contributor whose leadership, compassion and willingness to support others make a positive impact on her community.
Nasrin Muzafari.
Nasrin is a dedicated young community leader who proudly celebrates her Hazara heritage while supporting newly arrived students and promoting cultural inclusion through volunteering, sport and community events.
Nazanin Husseini.
Nazanin is a courageous young advocate who uses her lived experience to support refugee families, promote cultural understanding and encourage young people to believe in their own potential.
Novalie Morris.
Despite ongoing cancer treatment, Novalie has become an extraordinary advocate, fundraiser, performer and role model whose courage and compassion continue to inspire communities across Victoria.
Oscar Wang.
Oscar is a talented and driven young person who demonstrates leadership, innovation and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for others.
Peter Htway Htay Thu.
Peter has been a driving force within Geelong's Karen community for nearly two decades, dedicating countless volunteer hours to preserving cultural identity, supporting youth leadership and strengthening community connections through multicultural initiatives and service.
Prabhkirat Singh.
Prabhkirat is a thoughtful and respectful young leader who contributes positively to his community through his dedication, service and encouragement of others.
Prayosha Patel.
Prayosha is an accomplished young leader whose achievements in public speaking, cultural engagement, mentoring and community service reflect her deep commitment to empowering others.
Quinnie Westwood.
Quinnie is an extraordinary young role model whose courage, positivity and determination have seen her overcome significant health challenges while inspiring others through sport, fundraising, advocacy and community service.
Revant Pandey.
Revant is an innovative young technologist whose work in artificial intelligence, engineering and community service demonstrates a passion for solving real-world challenges through creativity and leadership.
Roqya Husseini.
Roqya is a compassionate and influential advocate whose leadership, multicultural youth representation and tireless community service have helped create a more inclusive and connected Geelong.
Ruhaniat (Parri) Kaur.
Parri is a passionate cultural leader, educator and volunteer who empowers young people through Punjabi language, dance and community programs while helping preserve culture and strengthen community connections.
Sadia Batool.
Sadia is a passionate student leader and multicultural advocate who promotes inclusion, supports new arrivals and actively contributes to a stronger and more connected community.
Saihaan Kafi.
Saihaan is an enthusiastic and community-minded young person whose leadership and commitment to helping others make him a valued role model.
Sara Kristiansen.
Sara is an exceptional young leader whose commitment to social justice, international education initiatives, community service, music and youth voice has created lasting impacts both locally and internationally.
Sarah Milgate.
Sarah is a passionate leader and community volunteer whose dedication, compassion and commitment to service positively influence those around her.
Senaree Gunawardena.
Senaree is a remarkable young carer whose extraordinary compassion, selflessness and dedication to supporting her family demonstrate resilience and maturity beyond her years.
Shreya Mittal.
Shreya is an inspiring student leader who founded the Deakin Nursing Students’ Society, created opportunities for hundreds of nursing students to connect and thrive, and passionately advocates for student wellbeing, leadership and equitable access to education.
Sienna Lewis.
Sienna is a motivated and inspiring young person whose leadership and community involvement demonstrate a genuine desire to support others.
Sophie Martin.
Sophie is a committed volunteer and ambassador whose involvement in the GYE Kokoda program has encouraged young people to embrace leadership, resilience and community service.
Sophie Nisbet.
Sophie is a dedicated young leader whose positive attitude, initiative and commitment to community participation continue to inspire those around her.
Stella Andrews.
Stella is a dedicated volunteer coach and mentor who uses sport to build confidence, resilience and genuine connections with young people in her community.
Tahlia Hannah-Rogers.
Tahlia is an enthusiastic and community-focused young person whose leadership and determination have made a meaningful contribution to her community.
Taya Barbuto.
Taya is a dynamic young music industry leader who champions local artists, creates opportunities for emerging performers and helps strengthen Geelong’s live music scene.
Taylan Black.
Taylan has demonstrated exceptional leadership by creating a lasting community initiative that honours local veterans and connects young people with service, history and community pride.
Than Soe Ler Wah.
Than Soe is a positive and dedicated young leader whose commitment to learning, respect for others, and willingness to volunteer and support his school community make him an outstanding role model for his peers.
Thomas Mrzljk.
Than Soe is a positive and dedicated young leader whose commitment to learning, respect for others, and willingness to volunteer and support his school community make him an outstanding role model for his peers.
Vannie Tran.
Vannie is an emerging multicultural leader who creates innovative opportunities for young people to celebrate culture, strengthen community connections and foster greater understanding across diverse backgrounds.
Vishrut Goswami.
Vishrut is a highly accomplished community leader who has contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours supporting international students, mentoring young people and advocating for multicultural communities across Victoria.
Yuvraj Jayswal.
Yuvraj is an ambitious and community-minded young leader who uses his skills, determination and positive outlook to support and inspire others.
Zac Cuttriss.
Zac is a committed volunteer whose work as a Lead Tenant and Scout Leader has helped vulnerable young people gain confidence, develop life skills and achieve their potential.
Zander Bartolo.
Zander is a compassionate and resilient young leader whose kindness, academic dedication and commitment to supporting others have made a lasting impact on his peers and community.
Zavier McGill.
Zavier is an inspiring advocate whose lived experience and leadership are helping shape programs that prevent youth homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.
Zelda McDonnell.
Zelda is a passionate and dedicated young contributor whose leadership and commitment to community involvement inspire those around her.
Zoe Alexis.
Zoe is an enthusiastic and caring young leader who demonstrates initiative, resilience and a strong commitment to creating positive change within her community.
Contact
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