Bayside's outstanding young individuals have been recognised for their achievements and contributions at the 2025 Bayside Youth Awards ceremony held last night at Sandringham Yacht Club.
The biennial awards recognise exceptional individuals aged 10-25 for their contributions to the Bayside community across five different categories: community, creativity, sports leadership, leadership, and the Julian Gurrieri Memorial Award for Bayside Youth Participation.
Bayside City Council Mayor, Cr Hanna El Mouallem, said the awards are celebration of our youth and their positive contribution to the Bayside community.
"We're committed to supporting and nurturing the growth and development of young people, and to helping them connect with their community and achieve amazing things." Mayor Cr El Mouallem said.
"The Bayside Youth Awards honour outstanding young individuals who have made a significant positive impact in their community and encourage others to follow in their footsteps."
This year we received 93 nominations for 57 individual young people, who have been nominated by schools, families, sports clubs, lifesaving clubs, youth services and community groups.
Winners
Zaina Amro - Winner Julian Gurrieri Memorial Award for Bayside Youth Participation
Zaina has been a dedicated member of the Bayside Youth Ambassadors (BYA) for over two years, bringing confidence, enthusiasm, and leadership to the group. A passionate advocate for young people, she has contributed to key initiatives such as the Fair Access Policy, Graffiti Management Plan, Council Plan, and Coastal Marine Management Plan.
Zaina has also taken on key leadership roles within the Boombox Events Committee, by planning and delivering events for young people within Bayside.
Michael Friedli - Sports Leadership
Michael has shown outstanding leadership skill across multiple sports including athletics and soccer. Michael has claimed seven Centre records for the Brighton Little Athletics Club, making him one of the most successful athletes in the club's 50-year history, and is currently playing soccer above his age group at Bentleigh Greens. He is seen as a mentor and role model for young members.
Abby Pham - Creativity
Abby is an artist specialising in hyper-realistic and classical realistic portraiture with skills that few adults can master. She loves creating large hyper-realistic portraits and small, classical realistic ones. Abby has won many art prizes and her work was featured in several art exhibitions, like the Young Bayside Art Exhibition which she won first prize in the 10-13years Category twice in both the year 2023 and 2024.
Natasha Kons - Leadership
Natasha has established a successful painting business, where she leads an all-female team and mentors young women and teenagers facing challenges, offering them invaluable work experience and guidance. She believes that learning practical trades not only provides financial independence but also fosters confidence, resilience, and life skills that carry beyond the workplace.
Will Taylor - Community
Will has a strong community focus and volunteers to support and raise funds for many organisations and community events. These have included the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation to support the fight against brain cancer, Connor's Run, Citizenship Ceremonies and has undertaken an Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Food Drive and participated in Clean Up Australia Day many times.
