RED Carpet Youth Awards: 2019 Gala Dinner booklet

201 9 G a l a D i n n er

R ED C arp et Yout h Awar ds 2019 P rogram MC Introduction Official Welcome Deputy Mayor Kat Bennett Speech by major sponsor Albury Wodonga Community College Chairperson Kevin Poulton Music Performance By finalist Caleb Bertram Individual Community Service Award Sponsored by Junction Support Services Sport and Recreation Volunteer Award Sponsored by Albury Wodonga Aquatics Facilities Endurance and Resilience Award Sponsored by Indie School Dinner served Dance Performance By finalist Sophie Rawlings Commitment to Continuous Learning and Development Award Sponsored by Wodonga TAFE Visual Arts and Media Award Sponsored by Dutch Media 2

Advocacy and Action Award Sponsored by Rotary Club Wodonga Central Guest Speaker Benson Saulo - 2011 Australian Youth Ambassador to the United Nations Dessert served Young Carer Award Sponsored by GenesisCare Young Worker Award Sponsored by ATEL Employment Services Music Performance By finalist Charlotte Kay Music and Performing Arts Award Sponsored by Projection Dance Youth Ambassador Award Sponsored by Business Wodonga Closing acknowledgements Finalists and winners group photo After Party For finalists (10.30pm start)

THE 2019 RED CARPET YOUTH AWARDS NOMINEES The Red Carpet committee would like to acknowledge and congratulate all those nominated Aaron Mortison-Marshall

Daniel Torney

Lily smith

Abigail Malpass

Darlene Knights

Luke Runciman

Adelaide Roach

Faith Ezou

Maddison Hamilton

Alannah McKeown

Gabrielle Lee

Madeleine Kay

Amity Marantelli

Georgia Cooper

Martin Miranda

Anastia Steyn

Grace King

Mica Baker

Andrea Bejsta

Hannah Ingram

Molly Corr

Angus Onley

Harris Lee

Olive Cribbes

Archer Irving

Haydan Olney

Olive Russell

Atosha Birongo

Holly Kupa

Rachel Campbell

Ben Coulston

Imogen Sutton

Savannah West

Ben Warhurst

Indigo Boag

Seonaid Lee

Bhakta Bhattarai

Jack Redcliffe

Sheradon Mary Neilson

Brooklyn Lewin

Jacob Moffatt

Sophie Rawlings

Caitlin O’Connell

Jai Butler

Tayla Trainer

Caleb Bertram

Jasmin Carew

Taylor Vyner

Carliegh Walsh

Jasmine (Jay) Butterworth

Teagan Carmosin

Casey Seymour

Jenna Barton

Tegan Roberts

Charles Zhang

Joely Schmutter

Tia Poharama

Charlotte Kay

Jordan Gavin

Tom Goyne

Chelsea Barton

Jordan Teunon

Zac Redman

Chelsea Styan

Josh Lock

Zac Spalding

Christopher Watson

Julia Henderson

Zach Owen

Connor Marshall

Kaitlyn Castro

Zara Smith

Daniel Agbay

Katana Tolman

Zoe Cavedon

Lani Hood 3

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Adelaide Roach

Bhakta Bhattarai (Durga)

Family means everything to Adelaide.

Bhakta is known locally as Durga. Durga was born and raised in a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal.

17 years old

As one of five siblings, four girls and one boy, she’s the middle child and values spending time with her large family.

24 years old

He has been residing in Wodonga alongside his six family members since 2012.

The Wodonga Senior Secondary College student has lived in Wodonga for the past eight years, immersing herself in the fabric of the community with her various volunteer roles.

With an interest in caring for people of all ages, Durga has a background in home and community care, as well as aged care and is currently in his last year as a registered nurse.

Adelaide volunteers countless hours to community organisations such as Wodonga Girl Guides, Wodonga SES, Albury Gang Show and Wodonga Police.

Most recently, Durga has been involved in organising events for non-profit organisation, Albury Wodonga Multicultural Community Events.

Family relationships are important to her, which is why she joined Wodonga Girl Guides, following in the footsteps of her older sisters.

He has been involved in organising events such as women empowerment projects, concerts with international artists and local youths, movie screenings, as well as cultural dances and youth picnics.

It used to be a way to connect with her sisters but after discovering a love of the organisation, she has stuck with it ever since.

Adelaide has been with the movement for nine years and is currently a junior leader, helping to run the Murray Munchkins unit that her oldest sister runs each Monday afternoon.

Adelaide joined the Albury Gang Show, a theatre company run by the scouts and girl guides associations in Albury and Wodonga, as another way to connect with her family.

As a past choreographer for the show, Adelaide has stepped into a new role in assistant production alongside three other cast members.

Adelaide’s venture into the SES was to be alongside her dad, who joined as a coping mechanism for his PTSD.

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Durga has also been involved in running What’s On Your Mind Today?

In 2016, Durga volunteered to be a guest speaker for Diversity Day at Kiewa Primary School.

He shared with students, parents and teachers his experiences as a refugee, including growing up in a refugee camp, the schooling, food and shelter and adapting to living in Australia.

Durga has previously helped cook and serve meals for the homeless through Birallee Neighbourhood House.

Volunteering has changed his perception on many things like culture and religion.

Durga recently worked with Nikki Hind, Australia’s first legally blind fashion designer.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Darlene Knights

Savannah West

Darlene demonstrates a high level of community spirit, volunteering many hours to create an enjoyable experience for others.

Savannah has embraced her sexuality after ‘coming out’ at the age of 19.

17 years old

She is a highly committed and motivated young individual, who strives to achieve the best for herself as well as others around her.

This is demonstrated through her strong involvement in the Albury-Wodonga community.

Her list of achievements include participating in the Wodonga Carols by Candlelight choir, assisting with the Albury Carols by Candlelight face painting, including setting up, volunteering for a few hours and packing down.

She has also helped organise, run, set up and pack down the Good Friday Community Easter Egg Hunt at Junction Square in Wodonga.

Darlene’s involvement is further exhibited through her strong engagement within her church community.

She volunteers every Sunday and Friday, working with the kids team and youth team, including organising activities, games, food and devotions.

Darlene also plays with the band, entertaining the church community through her music.

She served on the Red Carpet Youth Committee last year where she helped develop the new logo.

This year at school, she has volunteered at the Mother’s and Father’s Day stall, giving up recess’ and lunchtimes between classes to help other volunteers.

Darlene has also gone on to pursue her long-term goal of starting up a lunchtime group, called Transform.

24 years old

After growing up in the small town of Hillston (population 1000), she kept her sexuality a secret until leaving school and moving away for fear her sexual preference would not be accepted.

Savannah is heavily involved in advocating beside and for other young people in the community, which has been a passion and drive within her community work and involvement.

Savannah feels she is lucky that her family were accepting and have embraced her sexuality, but is aware not all young LGBTIQ+ have this opportunity.

This led to her volunteering with WayOut Wodonga that saw her start engaging in community projects and advocacy work, including presenting gender and sexuality educational workshops to secondary school classes, attend meetings fortnightly to create solutions to address problems or needs for the LGBTIQ+ youth in the community.

Savannah volunteered with the North East Pride Collective, which saw her given the opportunity to take on a lead role in creating the inaugural Rainbow Ball for the LGBTIQ+ youth.

Savannah attended the Mandala Leadership Camp after receiving a scholarship, which educated her on how to be a better leader.

She also advocated at Wodonga TAFE to make the education institute more LGBTIQ+ inclusive, which has now seen TAFE in the process of establishing a student diversity group.

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SPORT AND RECREATION VOLUNTEER AWARD

Julia Henderson

Andrea Bejsta

Softball flows through Julia’s veins.

Andrea is always the first to put up her hand to help others and is committed to her chosen field of scouting.

19 years old

She has been involved in the sport since being introduced by her mother at the age of 12.

Julia fell in love with the Wodonga Warriors Softball Club atmosphere, the people she was playing with and the different coaches and coaching styles.

She soon followed her desire to coach softball and pass on her love of the game.

Coaching juniors has taught Julia valuable life lessons.

Julia sees herself continuing to coach in the future to keep the sport of softball evolving and continuing within the community.

She has coached both juniors and seniors for seven years, having coached teams of all age levels and various abilities, including softball state championships where many state titles and accreditations have been claimed over the years.

Most recently, Julia has travelled to North East primary schools where she has taught students about softball, allowing wider connections to be formed that help create a diverse club and community.

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18 years old

As a member of the 1st Baranduda Venturer Scout Unit, Andrea has taken on the role as leader of the Cub Pack.

Andrea has filled the role over the past 18 months; attending meetings and a number of weekend camps, as well as organising activities.

She is still fulfilling this role.

Andrea has also played a leadership role in the Venturer Level Unit and had a regional youth role.

She has also been on the Unit Council for more than two years and has applied herself over the past three years to acquire the Queen’s Scout Award, the highest award in scouts that involved more than 40 hours of community service, in addition to helping the environment and visiting community groups.

In addition, Andrea has been an inaugural member of the North Region Youth Council where she represented Venturers from Echuca, Benalla and Wodonga.

Andrea is currently undertaking training to become a recognised Cub Scout Leader, while completing her year 12 studies.

SPORT AND RECREATION VOLUNTEER AWARD

Chelsea Styan

Christopher Watson

Chelsea is a year 12 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student who leads a busy life revolving around being a Navy Cadet as well as coaching and playing sports.

Christopher is a young person who is passionate about achieving his many goals.

18 years old

She plays AFL for the Murray Bushrangers and Thurgoona Bulldogs and is the sports house captain at her school.

Chelsea is a volunteer coach at Baranduda girls Auskick (ages 5 to 12), once a week.

The coaching role involves running training drills and small games to help participants enjoy sport and improve their football skills.

Chelsea organised for the Baranduda and Albury girls to play in a curtain raiser game before the local women’s AFL League Grand Final last season.

The girls all jumped at the opportunity.

Chelsea’s coaching commitments do not stop there, she was a development coach of the under 16 girls V/ Line Cup Representative Team (AFL).

Away from sporting circles, Chelsea has been a Navy Cadet for three years where she is a Leading Seaman, teaching younger cadets maritime activities and leadership skills.

In particular, she enjoys the sailing component the most.

At Easter this year, Chelsea participated in the Navy Cadets National Sailing Regatta where her team placed fourth.

She enjoys being a role model for girls and helping the younger generation play AFL and learn the sport she loves.

17 years old

The year 11 student at Wodonga Senior Secondary College is working towards his dream career goal as either an osteopath, physiotherapist or a combat medic in the army.

Within the sport and recreation industry, Christopher took Tae Kwon Do lessons for six years, which taught him commitment.

He then went onto soccer for a year, developing teamwork.

More recently, he has been involved in the Australian Army Cadets for three years, and is entering his fourth year.

Christopher is currently a Sergeant within the Australian Army Cadets, with a dream to be promoted to Cadet Under Officer.

He recently achieved the student of merit/duxes award of the Cadet Under Officer/Warrant Officer course at Puckapunyal.

Christopher organises a group of 18 to 28 adolescents to do activities such as marching, learning to use maps, radios and compasses, as well as first aid.

He also helps organise major activities, such as an annual camp that runs for a week and regular weekend camps.

Christopher is passionate in assisting his peers to become leaders within their own areas.

He is pleased to help individuals grow into not only successful people, but into valued members in society.

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ENDURANCE AND RESILIENCE AWARD

Lani Hood

Mica Baker

Lani is proud to be a young Aboriginal person and identifies with the Gunai Kurnai people.

Mica has endured many hardships in her lifetime due to a challenging and unsettling upbringing.

Although Lani has come up against many adversities in her short life, particularly relating to disengagement, bullying and racism, it has not stopped her from striving to achieve.

Her schooling was interrupted and she struggled socially.

Until recently, Lani was beginning to disengage at school and her attendance rate was an issue.

Although these challenges affected her greatly, Mica has carried on in her education and works hard at her casual job at KFC.

16 years old

However, after starting at Wodonga Senior Secondary College at the start of this year, she has only had approved absences.

Lani’s mother, Kerrie, attributes this to a supportive and culturally safe learning environment.

She has also established an ongoing involvement with the Wodonga Koorie Youth Network and the Korin Gamadji Institute.

Lani is passionate about providing opportunities to other young Aboriginal people and is a role model to others within the Wodonga Koorie Youth Network.

Most recently, Lani was involved as a primary contributor to launch the network’s five-year community action plan.

During the 2019 April school holidays, Lani attended the Korin Gamadji Institute leadership camp, which is targeted to young Aboriginal people within Victoria.

Lani has gained confidence and leadership skills as a result of many challenges, using support and hard work to turn the battles into triumphs.

She has learnt from previous experiences and now speaks up, advocates and supports people who are going through similar adversities.

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17 years old

Mica has found it challenging when learning simple English and mathematical concepts.

She is now proudly completing year 12 at Wodonga Senior Secondary College and aims to study a Bachelor of Psychological Science at university next year.

Mica has ongoing issues she is dealing with, and while this is a daily obstacle, she does not let it interfere with her life.

ENDURANCE AND RESILIENCE AWARD

Haydan Olney

Casey Seymour

Haydan, who is a twin and the eldest of four siblings, is lucky to be here after he was born with half a heart.

An unexpected health condition saw Casey placed in a coma for several weeks with doctors diagnosing an ongoing medical condition.

16 years old

At just five days old, he endured his first open-heart surgery that was a gruelling 13 hours long.

It was the first of what would be many more openheart surgeries for the Wodonga Senior Secondary College student.

There is no cure to fix his heart defect, attending the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne for tests and evaluations every few months and blood work is completed every few weeks... all to keep him going.

Once in a while he visits the wards of families with babies/toddlers experiencing the same heart defect to give hope and inspiration.

His heart condition means very low oxygen levels making it harder to breathe, participate in sport, attend school and be active.

Doctors told Haydan he would never play sport except golf or table tennis.

He has proved them wrong, playing soccer for five years, baseball for three years, also tennis and rugby league for a few years.

Haydan also represented his school in both state baseball and rugby league, winning the grand final.

He loves to snow ski, abseil, kayak, and go bushwalking, camping and swimming.

Haydan even goes to the gym several times a week.

20 years old

Casey completed year 12 in 2016 and started an engine rebuilding apprenticeship with Motoreco in Wodonga in 2017.

He enjoyed walking to work, had a great boss and liked living at home with his family.

However, in May 2017, an unexpected health condition and a trip in the ambulance escalated into being airlifted to Melbourne where he was placed in a coma.

Casey had to forgo his apprenticeship with Charles LeMesurier, as lots of specialist appointments, medication changes and medical complications made holding a mainstream job impossible.

In spite of this, Casey enjoys using his time to lead year 7 and 8 boys in our area at weekly youth group meetings.

He also helps pack food share parcels for local families, and does odd jobs around the home.

Casey attends youth meetings and has awesome mates who drive him around.

His goal is to one day finish building his old Dodge ute.

Casey enjoys helping youth in the Wodonga community achieve their own aspirations and looks forward to his personal health improving so he can work full-time and study.

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COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Katana Tolman

Zara Smith

Katana enjoys being a member of a large family that includes five younger siblings ranging from eight years old to one year old.

Zara is a dedicated and hard-working student who is motivated to improve herself in all areas.

16 years old

14 years old

She likes teaching her younger siblings, laughing with them, and even the occasional argument.

Last year, she participated In Victory Lutheran College’s production, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The year 11 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student has two jobs.

The production gave her the opportunity to perform on stage in the ensemble, as well as work with her peers.

She works at McDonalds after school and on weekends, as well as one day a week at ANZ as part of a schoolbased apprenticeship.

She values teamwork and believes it’s a crucial part in any matter.

Katana says both positions provide new challenges and opportunities to learn both academic and real world skills.

Another way she enjoys learning is from attending extra-curricular camps.

Katana recently completed the James Cook University and Monash University winter school camps.

She believes the opportunities boost her leadership and learning skills, as well as help to plan her career path after graduation.

This year, she joined Victory Lutheran College’s Orchestra Ensemble, strengthening her skills with the viola and competing at the Wodonga Eisteddfod.

Last year, she participated in the ICAS Mathematics, Spelling and Writing competition where she earnt a merit in mathematics, a credit in spelling and a high distinction in writing.

Zara received three subject excellence awards at the end of last year (English, visual arts and languages), in addition to this, also receiving an academic award and citizenship award.

The citizenship award focused on her work ethic and ability to overcome difficult situations with a positive manner.

With her experience as a school house captain in 2017, Zara demonstrates her eagerness to lead and learn.

Zara believes one of her greatest passions is using her skills to benefit others around her, as well as achieving a certain goal on time.

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COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Zach Owen

Molly Corr

Zach always demonstrates a commitment to learning, even when he’s not a fan of the subject.

Great role models and playing sport have been motivating factors in Molly’s education.

The year 11 Victory Lutheran College student enjoys studying physics and mathematics.

The year 11 Catholic College Wodonga student has a passion for education, especially in science.

While he does not enjoy English class, Zach has gone from struggling to now passing all of his set work without fear of failing.

Her love of learning has been influenced by education figures in her life, including her Nanna, a retired and reputable mathematics teacher at Xavier High School and her science teachers for sharing their infectious love of the respective subjects.

16 years old

He believes his commitment to improving his learning in all areas at school will serve him well in the future.

Away from school, he enjoys cycling and can spend upwards of ten hours a week sitting on a saddle.

It’s a place for him to clear his mind and escape for a bit, as well as always seeing an improvement.

He would like the opportunity to ride professionally one day.

Zach attends the local church, New Life Chapel where he serves on the sound production and photography team.

He also volunteers with the church’s youth program.

17 years old

Molly’s mother is a health care worker and influenced her passion in health science from a young age.

Sport has also played a large role in her education.

As a gymnast for almost ten years, and now a soccer player, it has instilled determination, time management, resilience and many other skills that reflect her work ethic.

Molly is an ambitious person whose open mind has led to some incredible experiences.

Last year she participated in her school’s French immersion, which was a trip of a lifetime, improving her language along with cultural awareness and personal development.

Molly is a member of the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program with the University of Melbourne, which is an academic enrichment program designed to support high achieving year 11 and 12 students in Victoria and surrounds.

The experience enabled Molly to meet like-minded people and gave her a kick-start to university life, access to exclusive academic opportunities and a guaranteed undergraduate position.

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VISUAL ARTS AND MEDIA AWARD

Grace King

Jasmine (Jay) Butterworth

Photography has been a huge part of Grace’s life for the past seven years.

Jay likes to think of herself as a budding young filmmaker and artist.

Grace started out photographing equestrian events at local pony clubs and agricultural shows.

The year 11 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student has been living in Wodonga for the past five years and enjoys creating artwork and videos that make people think about what the meaning might be.

18 years old

This led to selling the photos through her business page on Facebook.

Grace has expanded her subject matter and photographic techniques, which range from studio photography to travel and event photography.

Her broad range of photography resulted in Grace becoming a ‘social media influencer’ via Instagram.

16 years old

As someone who has always been interested in art, she finds making videos and drawing a fun pastime that helps her relax.

Jay hopes to pursuit a career in filmmaking where she is able to create content that many people will enjoy.

An overseas school trip to Russia and Germany taught Grace a lot about photographic techniques and she was fortunate enough to have the school use her photographs for promotional material.

In the past 12 months, Grace was able to explore portraiture photography as a part of her year 12 studio arts course.

Three of Grace’s final images have been on display in Retro Lane’s outdoor lightboxes in Albury since November 2018.

Grace won the ‘highly commended’ overall for her black and white portrait ‘The emotional effects of societal pressures’ at the Mitta Mitta Easter Art Show this year.

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VISUAL ARTS AND MEDIA AWARD

Carliegh Walsh

Olive Cribbes

Carliegh is a proud upcoming Aboriginal artist from the Wiradjuri region.

Olive likes to use her talent for art to express positive mental health messages.

16 years old

In year 7, she joined the Felltimber Koorie Art Club at Wodonga Middle Years College.

It was in the art club that her art and friendships merged.

Carliegh’s art started to feature her friendships as they are of great importance to the teenager.

She loves being there for her friends and supporting them in troubled times.

Carliegh’s artwork developed a theme of meeting places, ‘waterholes’ and ‘turtle lakes’. These meeting places are a cultural representative of friendships.

Some of Carliegh’s art is on display at the Eddie Kneebone Gallery at Wodonga TAFE and are also incorporated into the glass doors at The Department of Justice Building in Wodonga.

Carliegh has recently created some Aboriginal education resources, which are being used by Wodonga Council’s preschools.

She is involved in a program at Baranduda Primay School where she is assisting in recreating stories into Koorie art, with children retelling the stories in their own words.

18 years old

The year 12 student is a natural and caring leader amongst her peers and is known at her college for producing work of a very high standard.

Olive’s art portfolio is no exception to this and she has incorporated her passions together; art and talking about positive mental health.

Exploring issues of mental health through her artwork is important to Olive, who uses collage and mixed media as her main mediums.

Olive speaks openly about her own struggles with anxiety and performance anxiety, saying she often feels she places high expectations on herself.

She was a member of the Red Carpet Youth Awards 2018 Committee and liaised beautifully with her peers, presenting like a professional on stage.

Olive entered an artwork into the North East Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service art competition ‘What mental health means to you’ and her artwork hangs proudly on the walls of the service’s building.

Carliegh is passionate about sharing her culture with young people as they create art together and wants to pursue a career in working with children.

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ADVOCACY AND ACTION AWARD

Charles Zhang

Jack Redcliffe

Wodonga is Charles’ second home after he was born and raised in China and came to live here in 2017.

Jack is always helping others.

17 years old

The Wodonga Senior Secondary College student is passionate about climate change and says the voice of young people needs to be louder.

He believes the voice of young people needs to be heard by the people who have the power to make change to legislation and laws.

Charles recently saw an opportunity to organise a friendly protest on climate change, gathering a group of young people together who also demonstrate a passion to care for the environment.

They protested to a local political member about a controversial mining application in Australia.

Charles also enjoys giving back to the community, assisting with a bread run for the River Community Church several times a month.

16 years old

His selfless approach sees him give back to the community in many ways including volunteering with community organisations such as Carevan.

The year 11 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student has two brothers who have personal challenges that have a big impact on the family and how they function.

Jack is always able to see the bright side of things and is an advocate for marginalised people.

His passion for helping others is evident when he helps cook each week for Carevan and makes sandwiches for local primary school students who may go without.

Most recently, Jack helped host a movie night to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention for the Winter Solstice for Friends and Survivors of Suicide.

Jack is also a supporter of the Wodonga Jets, an allabilities football team that he helps by running water to players, working in the canteen and scoring each week at home and away games.

He also assists the players with emotional support, encouraging and motivating them at training and during games.

Mentoring is a role that Jack enjoys on a weekly basis.

Every Tuesday night he takes a young man aged in his early 20s to the gym for boxing classes to build the young man’s social capacity and help his fitness.

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ADVOCACY AND ACTION AWARD

Ben Coulston

Indigo Boag

Ben is an all-rounder who enjoys playing most sports and being involved in extra-curricular school activities.

Among friends Indigo likes to go by the name Whiskey and identifies as non-binary, making the announcement while completing year 10.

17 years old

Most recently he and his school class helped organise a movie night at Regent Cinemas to raise money for the Winter Solstice, which raised awareness about mental health in the community.

The movie night was a success and Ben was asked to talk in front of the large audience, which helped boost his confidence.

Ben feels it is important to be open and talk with others about mental health and the impact it has on people’s lives.

His ambition for the future is to obtain an apprenticeship in carpentry.

19 years old

While Indigo had supportive friends, most people could not comprehend that Indigo wasn’t a girl or boy and uses they/them pronouns.

After joining the Alphabet Crew, an LGBTIQ+ youth group organised by WayOut Wodonga, it was like a breath of fresh air for Indigo.

Even though the group was small, Indigo immediately felt welcome and wanted to give others the same relief and sense of belonging.

It’s been more than two years since Indigo’s first time at Alphabet Crew and Indigo is a current volunteer with WayOut Wodonga.

As well as being compassionate and loud, Indigo always loved art and tries to bring joy through artwork.

Indigo designed the “You’re Welcome Here” poster, as well as the current Alphabet Crew poster, and assisted with the Gender Identity Group poster.

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YOUNG CARER AWARD

Teagan Carmosin

Rachel Campbell

Teagan is always putting others first, in particular her family, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rachel has a soft spot for people who have difficulties with everyday life.

17 years old

She is passionate about helping others improve themselves and enjoys working out ways others can help themselves in challenging times.

The teenager is both a student and a young carer.

Teagan lives in Wodonga with her family, including one older sister and two younger brothers.

She is a carer for her father and brother, which she does because she loves to support people.

Not many of her friends know what Teagan does to support her family, but the ones who do know are supportive and understand if she can’t make it to events or hang out with them.

Teagan is completing year 12 at Wodonga Senior Secondary College and has found it challenging to stay on top of her schoolwork but has had some supportive school staff who have helped her on the journey.

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21 years old

She grew up with two brothers who have vision impairments and her parents took on five young foster boys who became brothers to her.

Rachel now works at Connextions, a support service for people with a range of disabilities and thoroughly enjoys the work.

Her role involves being a friend, making new opportunities accessible and assisting with their physical needs.

On Friday nights, Rachel volunteers at Wodonga Baptist Church where she gets to spend time building relationships with young people.

Rachel truly believes that caring for people holds its own reward.

YOUNG CARER AWARD

Abigail Malpass

Jack Redcliffe

Abby knows a thing or two about making personal sacrifices.

Jack is always helping those who are less able than he is.

The year 12 student is a member of a nine-person family after her parents took in foster siblings four years ago.

His selfless approach sees him give back to the community in many ways including volunteering with community organisations such as Carevan.

Abby is the loving big sister to four young and vulnerable foster siblings, as well as two biological siblings.

The year 11 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student has two brothers who have personal challenges that have a big impact on the family and how they function.

17 years old

The Malpass family became foster carers with Challenge Children’s Services, initially as respite carers in 2015.

16 years old

Jack is always able to see the bright side of things and is an advocate for marginalised people.

They began with a short-term placement of the four children, however, were approached by the agency to consider taking on the children permanently.

His passion for helping others is evident when he helps cook each week for Carevan and makes sandwiches for local primary school students who may go without.

Going from a family of five to nine has not come without its challenges, but the family have adapted amazingly.

Most recently, Jack helped host a movie night to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention for the Winter Solstice for Friends and Survivors of Suicide.

Abby loves all of her ‘siblings’ the same and shows incredible care towards them all.

Jack is also a supporter of the Wodonga Jets, an allabilities football team that he helps by running water to players, working in the canteen and scoring each week at home and away games.

She has shown strength and maturity in caring for these young siblings, despite how challenging it can be, both in the tangible sacrifices and in the ways that many don’t see.

On top of this, Abby continues to volunteer at her local netball club as an umpire and at her local church.

Abby’s caring nature is amazing as she makes personal sacrifices for others and often puts their needs before her own.

He also assists the players with emotional support, encouraging and motivating them at training and during games.

Mentoring is a role that Jack enjoys on a weekly basis.

Every Tuesday night he takes a young man aged in his early 20s to the gym for boxing classes to build the young man’s social capacity and help his fitness.

She has managed to balance her schoolwork, volunteer work and other commitments, as well as her family.

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YOUNG WORKER AWARD

Alannah McKeown

Ben Warhurst

Living with Down syndrome has not stopped Alannah from making the most of the opportunities that have come her way.

Ben has dreams to one day open his own restaurant.

From work experience at a swim school, an op shop, a clothing store, a supermarket, and Target (where she received a customer service award) to a chemist, Alannah developed skills and confidence that ultimately led to her being offered a paid contract.

Catering for an event through school last year sparked his desire to be a chef.

Alannah worked a weekly shift at a local chemist as work experience that eventually became a paid position.

The event was an amazing success and one Ben looks to recreate next year.

23 years old

In April this year, Alannah began working without a paid support person.

With each subsequent shift her confidence has grown and the staff and customers’ acceptance, understanding and confidence in Alannah has grown, too.

This year Alannah has also completed a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations and hopes to find work in this field as well.

Along with her work, Alannah has been a founding member of the Ovens and Murray Special Olympics swim squad, representing Australia at the World Games in 2015.

She was also awarded Wodonga’s Young Citizen of the Year in 2017; carried the Commonwealth Games Queen’s baton in 2018; spoke at the International Day for People with a Disability in QEII Square and has returned from a trip to the Philippines as one of a team of eight who taught school children water safety and swimming skills.

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18 years old

He is currently a second year apprenticeship at Wodonga’s fine dining restaurant Miss Amelie.

Alongside working full-time this year, Ben created a new regional food and wine event called The Border Food Forum.

While working in the industry, Ben has made an effort to speak at local schools, join a hockey club committee and meet with other local business owners.

He looks forward to running his own restaurant one day and teaching others about the hospitality industry.

YOUNG WORKER AWARD

Jordan Gavin

Jasmin Carew

Those who know Jordan all have a good word to say about the enthusiastic and hard worker.

Jasmin is proof that hard work and determination pays off.

He has been involved in scouts for the past 11 years, helping with the younger age groups and planning many activities over the years.

A year and a half ago, while at school, Jasmin was undertaking a certificate IV in Information and Technology.

Jordan is also a team member with the Beechworth CFA, jumping at every opportunity to obtain qualifications since joining more than two years ago.

She was motivated to gain experience within the community and was connected with Wodonga Library’s information technology general help desk.

A highlight for Jordan is walking behind the CFA truck to collect donations for the Good Friday Appeal.

From there she became a volunteer with the program, gaining invaluable experience in both information technology and customer service.

18 years old

Through school, Jordan has participated in raising money through selling soup with St Matthew’s Church to help the homeless and has been involved in a program with Mercy Connect to spend time with the disabled.

Jordan carried out work experience at Macfab Engineering before acquiring an apprenticeship last year at RC Metalcraft.

He often gets up at 4am to go to work and comes home at 5pm.

Jordan expresses his commitment in doing this because even if he has TAFE, he goes into work early to do a few hours before going to TAFE for the day.

18 years old

The experience was invaluable and opened up even more opportunities.

Shortly after starting as a volunteer, Jasmin was given the chance to sit in on a monthly information technology class aimed at teaching seniors on how to use their devices, which was hosted by a local computer repair company.

After gaining a considerable amount of experience, Jasmin was then given another incredible opportunity with Baranduda Community Centre where Jasmin was offered a paid placement as an IT tutor for a seniors program.

Jasmin was offered casual work with the Wodonga Library, much to her overwhelming appreciation and excitement.

She looks forward to continuing work with the library and gaining even more experience and connections.

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MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS AWARD

Caleb Bertram

Sophie Rawlings

Caleb is at home on the stage.

Sophie has been dancing since the age of two and doesn’t think she will ever stop.

14 years old

The year 9 student at Victory Lutheran College Wodonga loves music and performing arts, especially musical theatre.

The budding young actor has been in a number of local productions, dedicating his time and efforts to help with their success.

His highlights so far include landing a lead role in his first senior school musical in 2018’s Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat where he played the role of Joseph.

14 years old

Three years ago she started working towards her dream career as a professional dancer, successfully auditioning for the Projection Dance School’s full-time vocational training program.

In her pursuit to be a professional ballerina, Sophie shows dedication by waking up at 5.45am each weekday to travel by bus at 7am.

She takes dance lessons from 9.30am to 3.30pm and returns home to Mount Beauty by bus at 4pm.

Previously, Caleb was in the ensemble for Bytesized Productions Beauty and the Beast in 2017, which was the moment he realised how much he loved being involved in the wonderful musical theatre community.

A typical day for Sophie at Projection Dance School involves strength and conditioning classes, ballet class, contemporary class and rehearsals for upcoming performances.

This year in Bytesized Productions Camp Rock, he played a minor lead of Andy Hosten.

It is once all of this is complete that Sophie must then begin her schoolwork, which she completes online through Distance Education Victoria.

Caleb described the show as amazing and learnt that he actually liked dancing.

In his other spare time, he enjoys riding and competing on his horses in showjumping and playing AFL football.

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In one week alone, Sophie travels about 1000km so she can do what she loves each day.

Sophie’s dream is to one day complete her training at London‘s Royal Ballet School.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS AWARD

Charlotte Kay

Kaitlyn Castro

Charlotte is a double threat with her talent for acting in musical theatre and her gift for playing the alto saxophone.

Kaitlyn is a self-confessed music fanatic.

The year 12 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student pursues her passion for music and performance through multiple avenues including musical theatre, choirs, bands, concert bands, and community projects.

Kaitlyn volunteers her time on the Retro Youth Committee, attending the committee’s weekly Thursday afternoon meetings where members make plans for future Retro events and discuss ideas on how to improve the community for local youths.

18 years old

Charlotte is heavily involved in the region’s Performing Arts Committee, having been a part of eight community shows in the past five years.

She plays alto saxophone in concert bands and has sung in choirs, competed in many eisteddfods, and was handpicked to represent the region twice at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, as a jazz band vocalist and musical theatre performer.

Charlotte most recently performed at the Albury Carols by Candlelight as a soloist and is currently in Wodonga Senior Secondary’s upcoming show Matilda the Musical.

17 years old

Her favourite music genre is classic rock ’n’ roll, and she absolutely loves The Beatles.

Earlier this year, Kaitlyn worked as a stage manager for the Addicted Band Competition run by the Retro Youth committee.

The Wodonga Senior Secondary College student studies VET Music, a class that teaches about the music industry and where students learn to set up sound systems for gigs and recording sessions.

Kaitlyn is able to use these skills to set up events held at the school such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

In the Georgy Awards, Charlotte has been nominated for three awards in the past two years, winning two awards for best junior vocalist and supporting actress.

Charlotte has been involved in various ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies, and has relished at the opportunity to be involved in community projects, such as playing Snow White in Picnic in the Gardens for thousands of local children.

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YOUTH AMBASSADOR 2019 NOMINEES Young people could not be nominated for this category. Applicants were chosen from those interviewed for the previous awards.

This category is for a young individual who collectively shows outstanding dedication to the community and demonstrates the community’s values in all aspects of their life.

This may be demonstrated through any of the following: • A positive leader and role model within the community • Has volunteered time to help others • Is selfless and dedicated, expecting nothing in return • Has demonstrated true dedication and passion to their cause, whether it be within the workplace, through community service, by overcoming personal difficulties or serving and empowering others • Goes above and beyond the call of duty • Positively affects the community

Savannah West Nominated for Individual Community Service Award

Jack Redcliffe Nominated for Advocacy and Action and Young Carer Awards

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Carliegh Walsh Nominated for Visual Arts and Media and Commitment to Continuous Learning and Development Awards

Casey Seymour Nominated for Endurance and Resilience Award

Holly Kupa Nominated for Music and Performing Arts Award

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GUEST SPEAKER

Benson Igua Saulo 30 years old

Australian Unity - Head of Partnerships - Investments, Wealth and Capital Markets One Young World Alumni – 2011 Zurich, Switzerland Benson Saulo has worked across private, not-for-profit and government sectors both nationally and internationally, with a strong focus on social impact, innovation and leadership.

In 2011, Benson was appointed the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations. Benson represented Australian youth at the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly as an accredited member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leading negotiations on the rights of the child and the impact of the global financial crisis on young people.

In 2016, Benson was appointed Head of Community at Australian Unity and led the development and delivery of Australian Unity’s first Reconciliation Action Plan and Financial Inclusion Action Plan. These organisational commitments inform Australian Unity’s engagement with vulnerable communities in areas of financial wellbeing, accessible and appropriate products and services, and employment policies.

Benson has provided insight and advice on numerous social impact initiatives including the Australian Government’s indigenous procurement policy, financial inclusion and financial resilience frameworks, and state-based innovation policies.

Benson was a member of the National Commission for UNESCO, the 2011 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations and alumnus of the US State Department’s International Visitors and Leaders Program.

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The 2019 RED Carpet launch

The 2019 RED Carpet finalist photo shoot

The 2018 RED Carpet committee

The 2018 RED Carpet finalists

A special thank you to RED Carpet judges: Alison Smith, Anna Bownds, Danny Williams, Dylan Wyatt, Jennifer Podesta, Cr Kat Bennett, Kendall Rosato, Leisa Whyte, Narelle Klein, Nat Beddoes, Nicole Weyandt, Nigel Cunningham, Ian Elston, Rachel Habgood, Sandrine Ross, Trina Judge A very special thank you to the RED Carpet committee: Atosha Birongo, Aleisha Griffin, Holly Smith, Jacob Moffat, Jordan Ross, Teaghan Keen

The RED Carpet Youth Awards is an initiative of Wodonga Council:

The RED Carpet Youth Awards have been supported by major sponsor Albury Wodonga Community College:

The RED Carpet Youth Awards would like to thank community partners:

Our valued sponsors

The Albury Wodonga Community College (AWCC) would like to congratulate all nominees for this years RED Carpet Youth Awards.

Wodonga is fortunate to have so many fine young people who aspire to do their very best in their areas of self and community interest.

Your efforts have been recognised by family, friends, students and the wider community.

The AWCC would like to wish you all the very best for your future endeavours and goals.

The AWCC offers a wide range of education, training, childcare, disability and lifestyle activities. Visit our website to find out more about Indie School, the Australian College of Higher Education, Aware, Community Early-Years Childcare, or give our friendly staff a call today to start your next education adventure. www.awcc.edu.au Ph: 02 6043 8200 63 High Street, Wodonga