Winners of Mildura Rural City Council's 2022 Youth Awards have been unveiled and celebrated at a special dinner last night.
Held at the Mildura Golf Club Resort, the Council's Youth Awards recognise the achievements and contributions young people make to our community across three categories – Youth Worker of the Year, Community Participation Award and the Endurance and Persistence Award.
An incredible 20 nominations were received across all three categories.
Winners announced at last night's event were:
Youth Worker of the Year – Dominic Eggmolesse-Smith
This award recognises a youth worker that has demonstrated commitment to the wellbeing, participation and capacity-building of young people within their role.
Dominic, 23, is a proud Barkindji, Muruwari and South Sea Islander man, and was recognised for his ongoing work as a liaison support officer at both Coomealla High School and Dareton Public School, where he helps students with their everyday needs.
Within his role, Dominic has become an active member of the Aboriginal Education Corporative Group where he collaborates with young people to organise NAIDOC week events and school holiday programs alongside the Dareton Land Council and the Coomealla Health Aboriginal Corporation.
Dominic is also an Executive Member of the Koori Youth Council – the peak body for Aboriginal youths in Victoria – and volunteers his time with the Korin Gamadji Institute's leadership program at the Richmond Football Club.
Community Participation Award – Caitlin Vine
This award recognises young people or groups of young people who have shown leadership in their community. This includes young people or groups who provide a positive and rewarding service to other young people.
Caitlin, 25, was recognised for her commitment to the health and wellbeing of the broader Mallee community, as demonstrated by her work as a nurse and allied health professional.
Boasting qualifications and experience as a personal trainer, she is also a committee member of the Ouyen Community Gym and has ongoing roles with Ouyen United Football Netball Club.
Based in Ouyen, much of Caitlin's work involves offering palliative care to elderly residents, while also caring for grieving families.
Endurance and Persistence – Georgia Phillips
This award recognises a young person who has demonstrated personal growth and endurance to overcome hardships or to achieve their goals.
Georgia, 18, is a member of the Youth Action Team and helps younger girls and teenagers in her area that need support.
In more recent times Georgia has been able to share her personal story with peers, detailing her own childhood trauma and struggles.
Her message to others is simple: "When you are in doubt and find yourself giving up. Always remember there is always someone out there going through worse than you… Be kind to everyone, because you never know what someone is facing."
Mayor Liam Wood congratulated winners and nominees, while acknowledging the impressive number of young people nominated.
"We have an amazing cohort of young people doing wonderful things in our community, and it's fantastic to see just a handful recognised for their hard work and commitment to their community," he said.
All nominees were presented with a certificate as part of the Awards Dinner, with winners also receiving a $200 prize and trophy.
