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 supplies and joy to children in Cambodia, to creating a bilingual children's book and sending learning kits overseas, his actions reflect connection and commitment. He has also visited Timor, helping set up more than 40 laptops to expand access to education and opportunity. With humility and purpose, Alexander leads by example and reminds us that true impact comes from serving others.
Ethan Vines, 23, is a young leader whose creativity and community spirit are driving real change. As the first social impact employee at his company, he helped launch the world-class Benchwarmers campaign with A-League legend Archie Thompson, shining a light on the urgent need for diversity in Australia's stem cell registry. Beyond his professional achievements, Ethan integrates innovation with purpose by supporting not-for-profits, mentoring others, and volunteering for causes like Read the Play and Clean Up Australia. His leadership shows that innovation and empathy are most powerful when combined.
Inspiration Award
Twenty-year-old Jesse Moore uses their voice, courage, and lived experience to drive real change. As a passionate advocate for youth housing, mental health and the LGBTQIA+ community, Jesse has met with leaders, spoken on national panels, and highlighted urgent issues facing young people. They are also an actor and storyteller, with performances and addressing mental health gaining international recognition. Studying a Certificate III in Mental Health Peer Support, Jesse combines advocacy and lived experience to inspire, empower, and create lasting impact for others.
Leadership Award
Mackenzie Sinclair, 20, leads with quiet determination, compassion and purpose. A driving force behind the creation of The Nest Youth Hub, she also advises on national mental health initiatives, co-chairs a young advisory board for a cancer screening clinic, and volunteers at a local hospital. Her insight has influenced policy, funding and service design, making systems more inclusive and trauma informed. Despite facing personal health challenges, Mackenzie continues to show up with resilience and empathy, shaping real change in youth mental health and healthcare.
Unsung Hero Award
Sixteen-year-old Nick Riordon's impact isn't measured by awards but by the quiet comfort he brings to others. At school, he is a steady source of support - welcoming classmates, walking with those who feel left behind, and ensuring no one feels alone. Through his role on the Student Representative Council and his everyday acts of kindness, Nick has helped many feel seen, valued and respected. His quiet leadership shows that sometimes the most powerful change comes from simple consistent compassion.
Volunteer Award - Working with young people (all ages category)
Since the age of 14, 16-year-old Xavier Cunningham has dedicated his Friday nights to volunteering with the Salvation Army, providing food, comfort, and care to people experiencing homelessness. He goes beyond showing up - donating his own savings, responding to calls for essentials, and ensuring vulnerable community members are not forgotten. Recognised by the Salvation Army for this responsibility and commitment, Xavier embodies compassion, empathy, and quiet service, making a profound difference without seeking applause.
Judges' Award
Liam Hair, 23, is a humble and creative force for inclusion, using his talents to foster understanding and celebrate diversity. He hosts two weekly community radio shows, contributes to a major city station, and produces two podcasts - one spotlights music artists, the other exploring life with autism. Through radio, podcasts, and social media advocacy, Liam challenges barriers faced by neurodiverse people and inspires others to embrace diversity. His work combines creativity and lived experience, breaking down stigma and building empathy across the community.
Recognition Award
Alexander Scott, 12, has turned his own experience with bullying into a movement for change. Through his initiative Shoot for Kindness, Block Out Bullying, which he proudly funds through recycling, he has launched a film, partnered with Geelong United NBL1 players and local businesses, and shared his story to inspire others. With courage and determination, Alexander is giving a voice to kids everywhere and showing that even hardship can grow into something powerful.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The Geelong Youth Awards proved to once again be a heartwarming event that brought together community members of all ages and backgrounds.The future is looking bright thanks to this next generation of young leaders who are making positive change in the Geelong region.
A big congratulations to our well-deserving award winners James, James, Rezai, Ruhaniat, Alexander, Ethan, Jesse, Mackenzie, Nick, Xavier, Liam and Alexander - we thank you for the incredible contributions you have made and continue to make to our community!
We also recognise the dozens of young people who were nominated for awards for going above and beyond in their service.
Councillor Emma Sinclair
There are so many young quiet achievers, changemakers, creatives and leaders in Greater Geelong.Those who won Geelong Youth Awards or were nominated serve as inspiration for not just young people, but people of all ages.
This year's ceremony was deliberately held during Youth Fest, a month-long celebration across Victoria highlighting the contributions and achievements of young people in their communities.
