Winners of Mildura Rural City Council's 2023 Youth Awards have been unveiled and celebrated at a special dinner last night at the Mildura Golf Club Resort.
Celebrating its 10th year, 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 11 nominations were received across all three categories.
Winners announced at last night's event were:
Youth Worker of the Year – Jackson Mugenzi
This award recognises a youth worker that has demonstrated commitment to the wellbeing, participation and capacity-building of young people within their role.
Jackson, 23, is currently undertaking his Bachelor's degree at Latrobe University. Jackson was recognised for his ongoing commitment within the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Community Council, working in multiple roles including Youth Worker and Youth Homework Club Coordinator.
Within these roles, Jackson's Youth Group and Homework Club classes have proven to be popular, with students feeling valued and gaining confidence.
His involvement with families, engagement with outer organisations and dedication to the role has culminated in his Homework Club being shortlisted for the 2023 My Education Awards.
Jackson supported students to participate in the ABC Mildura takeover project, giving them a voice and encouraging them to speak up in other areas of their lives. This not only enhanced their academic experience but also equipped them with essential life skills.
Jackson also works with the Burundian and Congolese communities, offering advice and help with filling out forms.
Community Participation Award – Nick Coe
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.
Nick, 22, is an apprentice chef in Ouyen who regularly gives up his own time for the benefit of others. His dedication and positive attitude in various roles, from sports clubs to community events and volunteer work, highlight his significant impact within the Ouyen community.
Nick is actively engaged in numerous roles including coordinating the rostering and kitchen for the Lawn Tennis Club and Ouyen United Football and Netball Club, participating in the Mallee Root Festival and his local school's Parents and Friends' Group.
He also volunteers with Mallee Track Health and Community Services.
Nick is involved in the Deb Ball Committee and volunteers as the dance trainer due to the absence of Deb teachers. Nick took the initiative upon himself to learn and teach young students so the Deb could successfully go ahead.
Over the years Nick has been an active Youth Volunteer with Council, providing a voice for young people from Ouyen. Nick is a very caring, compassionate and respected member of the Ouyen community.
Endurance and Persistence – Tenay Davy
This award recognises a young person who has demonstrated personal growth and endurance to overcome hardships or to achieve their goals.
Tenay, 18, is a student at Red Cliffs Secondary College and has shown great resilience and perseverance. Tenay was selected by her peers to be an executive member of the Student Representative Council and is also her school's First Nations Ambassador. Through these roles Tenay has demonstrated outstanding leadership and organisational skills by planning and delivering Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies for school events and is an exceptional role model for younger students.
Despite facing personal challenges in 2017, Tenay has emerged as a resilient and positive role model. Tenay has taken on the responsibility for caring for her younger sister while her father is away for work, including managing day-to-day tasks and appointments, all while attending school and working part-time.
Tenay's commitment to completing Year 12 and undertaking community service studies reflects her dedication to personal and academic growth, while making amazing contributions to the community in the near future.
Mayor Liam Wood congratulated winners and nominees, while acknowledging the impressive number of young people nominated.
"We're proud to say these Awards are celebrating their 10th year, and during this time we have celebrated more than 115 nominations of young people aged 12 to 25 years," he said.
"It's fantastic to see the wonderful efforts of our young people and what they have achieved. Our region certainly has a very bright future."
All nominees were presented with a certificate as part of the Awards Dinner, with winners also receiving a $200 prize and trophy.
