The contributions of local young people aged 12-25 have been celebrated at tonight’s Geelong Youth Awards.

Held at the Norlane ARC, Councillor Emma Sinclair presented the winners of nine categories with trophies and a $500 contribution to support their ongoing interests and education.

This year, two additional awards were presented. One was the Judge's Award, which was requested by the judging panel in recognition of the high calibre of nominations received. The other was a Recognition Award presented to Alexander Scott, an inspiring young individual who has only recently turned 12 and was therefore ineligible when nominations were open.

The winners were selected from 147 nominations and are recognised as having had a positive impact in leadership, innovation, cultural awareness, community work, sport, arts, music and youth development.

Hundreds of community members enjoyed the night’s exciting atmosphere, speeches and performances from local 19-year-old singer/songwriter Lucy Tuck.

Members of the 2025 Youth Council enthusiastically carried out judging and speaking duties as part of tonight’s ceremony.

The 2025 winners of the Geelong Youth Awards are:

Active Achievement Award

James Logan, 19, has turned the challenges of being a deaf athlete in a sound-driven sport into a story of resilience and inspiration. Training up to 16 hours a week while balancing study and work, James has earned selection to the Australian Deaflympics team and will compete in six events at this year’s games in Tokyo. A holder of multiple national and state records, James has also made history with their siblings to medal internationally. Beyond the pool, James mentors young athletes, volunteers for their club and the deaf sporting community, and champions inclusion with humility and kindness.

Arts & Music Award

Seventeen-year-old James Herbert’s creativity and leadership have left a lasting impact on our local art scene. A gifted vocalist and saxophonist, James has performed with passion while also building safe, vibrant spaces for young people through programs such as FReeZA and youth-led events. From mentoring first-time performers to sharing his own original music on platforms like Unearthed High and Spotify, James shows that artistry is not just about talent, but about connection, kindness and lifting others up.

Citizenship Award

Rezai Rehman, 18, has turned his experience of displacement into a powerful tool to support young people, through events like the Refugee Week exhibition, advocating to government leaders, and volunteering in his community. Rezai has created safe spaces for others to be heard. Balancing school, work and family responsibilities, he mentors peers, leads health campaigns, and supports new students, showing that leadership is as much about kindness and empathy as it is about visibility. Despite immense personal hardship, Rezai’s quiet courage and commitment have made a lasting impact.

Cultural Awareness Award

Fifteen-year-old Ruhaniat Parri Kaur is a young leader dedicated to celebrating and preserving culture. She teaches Punjabi language to children as young as four, helping them to connect with their heritage, while also volunteering through the Multicultural Youth Council Working Group (MCSG Youth Council) and at the Sikh Temple Geelong. From leading cultural activities to guiding ceremonies with care, Ruhaniat creates safe, welcoming spaces where young people feel proud of their identity. Her kindness, leadership, and commitment remind us that culture is something to be lived, shared and celebrated.

Innovation Award (two winners)

Seventeen-year-old Alexander Serra has shown that innovation is just as much about heart as it is about ideas. From bringing su