Some of Nillumbik's most outstanding young women have been recognised at Nillumbik Shire Council's Young Women Leader Awards.
The awards, which were presented at Council's annual International Women's Day event, celebrate the significant achievements of young women in the Nillumbik community.
The awards were announced in the following categories:
Young Woman of the Year – Madeleine Cameron
Young Creative Leaders – Luna The Moon
Young Sports Leader – Shania John
Young Business Leader – Brittany Reukers
Nillumbik Mayor Peter Perkins congratulated the young women and thanked them for their significant contributions to the community.
"These awards continue to be an important part of our calendar and celebrate the young women of Nillumbik whose leadership skills benefit us all in many ways," Cr Perkins said.
"I congratulate both the award recipients and the many others who were nominated. All of their stories were inspiring and signal a bright future ahead."
Deputy Mayor Frances Eyre said it was important to provide recognition through programs such as the Young Leaders Awards.
"We hope these awards encourage and inspire young women to feel empowered to take on leadership roles at school, work and in the community," Cr Eyre said.
"These are amazing young women. I really enjoyed hearing more from them during our International Women's Day celebration."
Almost 200 people attended Council's International Women's Day event on Thursday 11 March, which was held virtually for the first time.
Highlights of the evening including a Welcome to Country performance by Djirri Djirri, a keynote address by award-winning author and disability advocate Carly Findlay OAM and entertainment by local performers Cath Rutten and Thea FitzGerald.
Council also launched its Nillumbik Women's Community Leadership and Connections Program.
2021 Young Woman Leaders
Young Woman of the Year – Madeleine Cameron (pictured)
Madeleine is an integral member of Headspace Greensborough's Youth Advisory Council.
Through this role, she has represented Headspace at a variety of advocacy groups including the National Youth Reference Group and the Clinical Governance Consortia.
She has dedicated herself to advocating for youth mental health in the context of COVID-19, meeting with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss the importance of supporting young people's engagement and mental health during Melbourne's lockdown.
This resulted in the provision of federal funding to support Headspace's work with young people at risk or those disengaged from education.
Young Creative Leaders – Luna The Moon
Jess, Julia and Issy make up the acoustic ukulele trio from Eltham and have a passion for music and performance.
Over the past year they have adapted their performances to provide online concerts during lockdown, bringing music and entertainment to the community when it was needed most.
Playing covers of new tunes and old classics, Luna The Moon bring diverse members of the community together.
Young Sports Leader – Shania John
Shania was among the first all-girls cricket team in the Diamond Valley League and is now a senior player at the Research Eltham Collegians Cricket Club where she captains a mostly male team.
She also serves as the league's girls' cricket coordinator and has coached many girls cricket teams, ensuring young girls are given the confidence and inspiration to continue in the sport.
Shania has blazed a trail, breaking barriers for other girls who want to play the sport and take on leadership roles in community sport.
Young Business Leader – Brittany Reukers
Britt has made waves in the business industry, launching her recycled activewear company Strerkandmooi.com a little over a year ago.
Her business model aims to provide the best ethical design, partnering with REPREVE, the world's leading fabric made from ocean-bound plastic water bottles.
Britt is a highly organised and energetic young woman committed to innovation who managed to launch her business while studying at high school.
Nillumbik Shire Council would like to congratulate all community members who were nominated on for their wonderful achievements and thank them for their contribution to the Nillumbik community.
