MYA Winners
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MAYORAL YOUTH AWARD
The Mayoral Youth Award is a program operated by Wyndham City that aims to:
- Recognise the diverse range of personal and community achievement of local young people;
- Assist young people to reach their goals;
- Reward young people for their achievements and potential; and
- Show community acknowledgment of the abilities and inherent within young people in the Wyndham community
All applications are assessed by the Assessment Committee that decides on who receives the award consists of: The Mayor, Youth Task Force representative, Youth Project Officer and Youth Services representative
The winners of the Mayoral Youth Award for the March quarter are as follows:
SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2011
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Olivia Cox
Olivia Cox is the successful applicant in the Community Services, Volunteering and Leadership category and is being recognised for her achievements in volunteering and leadership. Olivia is 16 years old, lives in Werribee and attends MacKillop College.
Olivia is a proud and active member of the Werribee Fire Brigade and is both a junior and senior member. While in juniors she went from being third Lieutenant to Captain and has successfully completed her minimum skills which allows her to be an operational Fire Fighter
Olivia enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and playing sport.
Olivia’s ultimate goal is to become a paramedic and to continue more CFA training and become a fully accredited rescue officer.
Oliver intends to use the money to support more training in the CFA.
Sport – Tonniel Vila
Tonniel Vila is the successful applicant for the sports category and is being recognised for her achievements in the area of Marching. Tonniel is 15 years old and lives in Wyndham Vale and attends Manor Lakes College.
Tonniel has been marching since 2006 and has competed at State and Australian Championships and in 2007 her marching team came first in all 3 routines. Tonniel is also the Captain of the U17’s Prop Precision team for Werribee and has been awarded the Victorian Marching Judge of the Year.
Tonniel’s interests are marching, motor bike and quad bike riding.
Tonniel’s ultimate goal is to become an Accredited National Judge.
Tonniel intends to use the money towards fees and costs in competing in the Australia Championships in 2012.
Music, Art & Cultural – Reckless Dance Crew
The Reckless Dance Crew are the successful applicants in the Music, Art & Cultural category and are being recognised for achievements in the area of Dance. Reckless Crew were formed 10 months ago as friends who were interested in dance routines. They are all males aged from 12-16 years old.
Some members from the Reckless Dance Crew have performed at an international dance competition, some have performed at festivals and events and for others it’s their first time dancing in a group.
Reckless Crew’s goals for this year are to prepare two competitive routines and to work closely as a team. Reckless Crew will use the money to assist with competition fees and dance costumes.
Jennifer, Tonniel and Reckless Crew were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 21 November 2011.
JUNE QUARTER 2011
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Emylee Ephruams
Emylee is the successful applicant for the community service, volunteering and leadership category and is being recognised for her achievements in volunteering.
Emylee is 17 years old and lives in Werribee. She attends Heathdale Christian College and is school captain, a member of the leadership team and on the Student Representative Council.
Through her leadership role at Heathdale Christian College, Emylee has coordinated fundraisings for organisations including World Vision and Destiny Rescue.
Her exceptional leadership skills extend beyond the school grounds.
Emylee was a State finalist in the National Lions Youth of the Year Quest and was amongst the top five nominees in Victoria.
Over the holidays she volunteers her time to assist with a junior holiday program run by her local church. She has also participated in Relay for Life and Citizenship Ceremonies.
Outside of her leadership and volunteering commitments, Emylee finds time to enjoy singing, dancing, playing piano and guitar. She also coaches beginners gymnastics twice a week at gym monkeys.
Her ultimate goal is to travel to countries where help is most needed and to volunteer in those communities. The Mayoral Youth Award will bring her one step closer to this, as she plans to use the money to help cover some of the expenses associated with volunteering with the Global Volunteers Program, where she will work with underprivileged communities.
Sport – Christian Abraham
Christian Abraham is the successful applicant for the sports category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of tennis. Christian is 14 years old and lives in Werribee and attends Bayside Tennis College.
Christian has had the opportunity to compete in various tennis tournaments and has won the Bendigo single and double championships as well as the Wodonga championships.
Christian’s ultimate goal is to become a professional tennis player by increasing his training and tennis tournaments and specialist academy training.
Christian intends to use the money towards a specialist training course in Tennis.
Music, Art & Cultural – Corey Levett
Corey Levett is the successful applicant of the music, art and cultural category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of photography. Corey is 19 years old, lives in Wyndham vale and attends Photographic Imaging College.
Corey has volunteered as a photographer on the Weerama committee and the St Andrews Theatre Company. He also been short listed for VCAA top design and was media captain at MacKillop College in 2010.
Corey’s interests include freelance photography, fine art commercial photography and photo editing.
Corey’s ultimate goal is to become a professional commercial or fine arts photographer by completing his diploma in photo imaging and Bachelor of Arts.
Corey plans to use the money to assist in upgrading his camera and to obtain a professional camera.
Jennifer, Christian and Corey were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 21 November 2011.
MARCH QUARTER 2011
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Melkie Kiflu
Melkie Kiflu is the successful applicant for the Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of volunteering.
Melkie is 20 years old and lives in Werribee. He has volunteered at various organisations such as Werribee Community and Education Centre, Werribee Primary School and has also been involved in camps and youth groups for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Melkie arrived in Australia in 2008. Since this time he has completed year 11 VCE studies and a pre apprenticeship in automotive. He has also received a scholarship from Western Chances and won the Western Region Industry and Education Award for VET Studies. His ultimate goal is to complete his secondary education as well as studies in vocational training as a motor mechanic.
Having only arrived in Australia three years as a refugee, Melkie has faced and overcome a number of barriers to get where he is today. He is currently in the process of finding his siblings who he believes are still in Sudan.
Melkie is a great role model to other young refugee students.
Melkie plans to use this money to assist with his studies in automotive and to become a motor mechanic.
Sport – Ashleigh Rich
Ashleigh Rich is the successful applicant for the sports category and is being recognised for her achievements in the area of swimming, cross country running and surf life saving. She is 13 years old and lives in Hoppers Crossing and attends Maribyrnong Sports College.
Ashleigh has had the opportunity to compete nationally for swimming and at a state level for cross country and surf lifesaving
She is a member of Williamstown surf lifesaving club and undertakes beach patrols and is hoping one day to be involved with the nipper program where she can help out with water safety and to coach younger people.
Ashleigh’s ultimate goal is to achieve the highest level of qualification in lifesaving and in competition to compete for Australia, make the elite squad and become a national medallist.
Ashleigh intends to use the money towards competition events, fees and uniform.
Music, Art & Cultural – Jesse Muller
Jesse Muller is the successful applicant of the music, art and cultural category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of music. Jesse is 14 years old, lives in Hoppers Crossing and attends Heathdale Christian College.
Jesse plays the guitar and is in a band that played at the W Factor youth talent competition. He has also recorded and performed songs on his School CD and is a member of his church music team. He has also organised events for his band to play in.
Jesse enjoys playing guitar, tennis, writing, listening to music and drawing.
Jesse ultimate goal is to become a professional musician where he can inspire and motivate others through his music. He also would like to teach the less fortunate music and creative arts.
Jesse intends to use the money to assist him to purchase musical equipment and instruments.
Melkie, Ashleigh and Jesse were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 25 July 2011.
DECEMBER QUARTER 2010
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Laura Mulcahy
Laura Mulcahy is the successful applicant for the Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership category and is being recognised for her achievements in the area of Volunteering.
Laura is 21 years old and lives in Hoppers Crossing. Laura is a member of the Marian Leo Club a young version of a lions international club.
Through her involvement in the Marian Leo Club Laura has been involved in a range of activities including tree planting, helping out at fundraising barbecues, organising charity balls and assisted in the fashion runway shows. Laura also assists St Vinnie’s soup van on Saturday nights and was chosen to be an ambassador at an international student’s camp.
Laura is studying a Bachelor of Business in Human Resources Management, and has demonstrated a keen commitment to charity and community involvement. Laura is keen to participate in 15 charitable events within the next five years, organise two more charitable events and join a lions club.
Laura intends to use the money to assist with her studies and also fund her membership of a lions club which will enable her to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award for volunteering.
Sport – Jessica De Girolamo
Jessica De Girolamo is the successful applicant for the December Mayoral Youth Award sports category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of swimming, athletics and life saving.
Jessica is 13 years old and lives in Werribee and attends MacKillop College.
Jessica has had the opportunity to represent her school and local clubs at state level for swimming and athletics, and has also represented Victoria in National life saving championships
Currently Jessica is completing a cadet-ship in swimming and coaching which will enable her to teach young children to swim. Jessica’s ultimate goal is to one day represent Australia in pool and beach lifesaving and to also compete at the world championships.
Jessica intends to use the money towards competition events, fees and uniform.
Laura and Jessica were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 28 March 2011.
SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2010
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Madeleine McNamara
Madeleine McNamara is the successful applicant for the Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership category and is being recognised for her achievements in the area of scouting.
Madeleine is 14 years old and lives in Little River. She is a member of the 1st Lara Scout Group and the Little River Youth Club.
Through her involvement in scouts Madeleine has been involved in a range of fundraising and volunteer activities including fundraising for the Red Cross, and volunteering with the Little River Improvement Program and Lara Community Garden.
Madeleine has been invited to represent Australian scouting at the World Jamboree in Sweden next year in recognition of her ongoing contribution and achievements in scouting. She will use the money from the Mayoral Youth Award to help fund plans to use the money to help fund travel to Sweden where she hopes to share with scouts from other countries what Australian scouting is all about.
Sport – Brandon TeHiko
Brandon TeHiko is the successful applicant for the September Mayoral Youth Award sports category and is being recognised for his achievements in the area of BMX racing.
Brandon lives in Werribee and attends Galvin Park Secondary College.
At only 12 years of age Brendon has already accrued a number of titles and is showing enormous potential for continued achievements in the future.
Brendon is a member of Victoria Junior State Team and the Victorian Development Squad. Recently he has placed first at a number of State titles across Australia as well as coming first in the National Titles. He recently represented Australia at the UCI-BMX World Titles which took place in July and August this year.
Brendon aspires to represent Australia at the Olympics one day.
Music, Arts & Culture – Jessica Pedevski
Jessica Pedevski is the successful applicant for the September Mayoral Youth Award Music, Arts and Culture category and is being recognised for her achievements in the area of art and design.
Jessica is 18 years of age, lives in Hoppers Crossing and attends MacKillop Catholic Regional College.
Jessica is a talented young artist and her work has been recognised from a local to a national level. In 2009 Jessica was the winner of the Mary MacKillop Foundation National School Art Competition. This year Jessica was a finalist in the 13-18 year Visual Arts Category in the 3AW Cultural Encouragement Award.
Through her art Jessica has made valuable contributions to the Wyndham community including donating works to Werribee Mercy Hospital and Corpus Christi Primary School. This year Jessica volunteered for Walking the Wetlands, a community arts event held as part of August Arts.
Jessica would like to continue studying art at university and become a graphic designer and professional artist in the future.
Jessica will use the money from this award to purchase art supplies.
Madeleine, Brandon and Jessica were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 29 November 2010.
JUNE QUARTER 2010
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Christian Camilleri
Christian is 20 years old and lives in Hoppers Crossing. Christian is currently a student at the University of Melbourne, studying Commerce and would like to study Law next year. Christian enjoys music and is a keen pianist and loves traveling.
Christian has contributed to the local community through his involvement through carers Victoria, legal services and his local Youth group.
Christian started YANG which stands for Young Adults Network Group. This group is for young adults with Philanthropic interests, whereby these young adults assist one another with philanthropic activities.
Christian is dedicated to carers Victoria working with a subcommittee to provide support to carers at University while attending full time study.
Christian’s goal is to one day work as a Human Rights Lawyer for refugees and intends to use the money to assist him with his University expenses in order to achieve this goal.
Sport – Ann-Louise Slee
Ann-Louise is 21 years old and lives in Werribee. Ann-Louise is currently studying at Monash University and is training with the national badminton club for which she is being recognised for her achievements. Ann-Louise also enjoys social tennis and squash.
Ann-Louise is currently the Victorian Open champion in mixed doubles and women’s doubles in Badminton. Ann-Louise has also been selected to represent Australia at the World Championships in Paris in August this year and has previously been a finalist at the Oceania Championships and the winner of the Open mix doubles in Ballarat. Ann-Louise has also represented Victoria at a large number of national competitions and was awarded the highest sporting award from Monash University.
Ann-Louise ultimate goal is to represent Australia at the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth games. Ann-Louise also hopes to be a great coach and an ambassador for the sport.
Ann-Louise intends to use the money on assisting her travels for overseas competition.
Music, Arts & Culture – Phoebe Smillie
Phoebe Smillie is 18 years old and is a student at Westbourne Grammar School. Phoebe enjoys swimming, playing the piano, debating and public speaking. Phoebe has won both public speaking and debating at her school for the past 2 years and has represented her school in the Wynspeak competition.
Phoebe has also organised charity events through her school, events such as Daffodil day, diabetes awareness, and breast cancer awareness, along with raising money for an orphanage in Cambodia.
Phoebe ultimate goal is to work in a policy and developmental role within the United Nations and study International relations and law.
Phoebe intends to use the money on the cost of volunteering in a third world country during her gap year.
Summary
Christian, Ann-Louise and Phoebe are outstanding young people, who have made significant contributions to the community. They have worked hard to excel within their chosen fields of endeavour and are deserving winners of the Mayoral Youth Award.
They were presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 16 August 2010.
MARCH QUARTER 2010
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Michaela Pollard
Michaela is 16 years old and lives in Hoppers Crossing. Michaela is a student Heathdale Christian College and has contributed greatly to the School environment. Michaela is a trained Volunteer at her local church and is involved with World Vision and has a passion for travel in particular to under developed areas.
Michaela’s involvement in World Vision inspired her to undergo more training and set a goal of raising $5000 for World Vision in 2009 through her School. Michaela and her team motivated the School students to blow this target out of the water by raising an amazing $16,602 becoming one of the top 5 Schools in the nation.
Michaela other activities include volleyball where she has been able to represent her School.
Michaela intends to use the $500 in assisting her with a mission trip to the Philippines and also a Maths Tutor to help her keep up with her studies.
In the future Michaela would like to become a teacher and use this qualification to spend time overseas teaching in under developed areas.
Sport – Thomas Hodges
Thomas is 15 years old and is a student at Heathdale Christian College. Thomas is being recognised for his achievements in the sport of Athletics and Volleyball.
Thomas has competed at a national level in Cross Country and Volleyball. Thomas has also competed at State level in athletics, swimming, cross country, volleyball and cycling and has represented his school in a number of sports.
Thomas ultimate goal is to represent his state well and one day represent his country.
Thomas has also shown leadership taking on the responsibility to coach the year 9 boy’s volleyball team. This involved training weekly and then playing in the School Volleyball competition. Thomas is committed to his training and continues to travel with his family to the national volleyball stadium in Dandenong.
Thomas intends to use the $500 to assist him with competition entries and to assist him with the cost of competing nationally.
Music, Arts & Culture
No applications were received this quarter for the music, arts and culture category.
Summary
Michaela and Thomas are both outstanding young people, who have made significant contributions to the community. They have worked hard to excel within their chosen fields of endeavour and are deserving winners of the Mayoral Youth Award.
They were be presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 10 May 2010.
DECEMBER QUARTER 2009
The winners of the Mayoral Youth Award for the December quarter are as follows:
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Michael Woollard
Michael is 18 years old and lives in Wyndham Vale. Michael has just finished Year 12 at Galvin Park Secondary College and has contributed greatly to the School environment. Over the years he has played an active part in being the voice of the students. He has been on the student representative council, house captain and School captain.
Michael is also a member of the defence force and supports the younger community in football, tennis and cricket. He also performs at the elderly citizen concerts.
In addition to his Michael enjoys football, dog showings and family and friends.
Michael’s aim is to Study Teaching in PE and Psychology and eventually would like to become the principal in a local School.
Michael intends to use the $500 in repaying a loan that assisted with his Hip operation so he can then put money towards his university costs.
Sport – Amy Cashin
Amy is 15 years old and is a student at Werribee Secondary College. Amy is being recognised for his achievements in the sport of Athletics
Amy is a member of Werribee Little Athletics Centre and Western Athletics. Amy trains younger athletes who are interested in distance events and is a positive role model for them. Amy is a part of the team that produces Werribee little athletics TV for the centres website and is also an active member in Western Athletics social committee.
Amy has previously won the U15 2000m steeplechase at the pacific School games and also set a new record. She has also represented Victoria in Cross Country and won the U16 Victorian State Cross Country, Victorian all schools state cross country, the Victorian secondary schools cross country and the Victorian little athletics cross country championships.
Amy has also represented Victoria at the All Schools and the Australian Youth track and field championship and won the U16 3000m and is currently the U16 national champion.
Amy’s ultimate goal is to one day represent Australia and is aiming for the 2011 world Youth Games.
Amy has dedicated herself to Athletics and is a part of the Athletics Victoria Institute of Sport.
Amy is also interested in drama, photography gymnastics and football.
Amy intends to use the $500 to assist with her running by purchasing a watch performance monitor that can read her heart rate, record data, distance covered and lots more.
Music- Alex Gilham
Alex is 12 Years old from Mt Cottrell who has just finished grade 6 at Bellbridge Primary School. Alex is being recognised for his achievements in music.
Alex plays the trombone, violin and the piano and plays regularly at the Western Suburbs Music Society Concerts. Alex has attended the Melbourne Youth Music Summer School from 2007-2009.
Alex has received an A+ grading for Trombone and completed 8th Grade. He has completed 7th Grade in Violin. Alex is now obtaining his 8th grade in piano and violin. Alex was placed 2nd in both trombone and violin in the music society of Victoria annual competition.
Alex’s ultimate goal is to be principal Trombone in the Orchestra Victoria or Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Alex also enjoys dancing, reading and acting. Alex intends to use the $500 to pay for lessons, examination fees and music competitions.
Summary
Michael, Amy and Alex are all outstanding young people, who have made significant contributions to the community. They have worked hard to excel within their chosen fields of endeavour and are deserving winners of the Mayoral Youth Award.
They have been presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 22 February 2010.
SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2009
The winners of the Mayoral Youth Award for the September quarter are as follows:
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Storm Robbins
Storm is 19 years old and lives in Wyndham Vale. Storm is a young man with Cerebel Palsy who has challenged himself to strive for independence and community acceptance. Storm is a member of the Toast Masters Werribee and is a very keen public speaker.
Storm’s passion is to advocate within the community, specialising in disability services. In 2008 Storm’s strengths and abilities were recognised as recipient of the Merlyn Myer Youth Leadership Award.
In addition to his voluntary work, Storm is a Geelong football supporter and enjoys health and recreation activities. He currently is employed part time at Fenix Fitness in an administration/reception role.
Storm aims to complete a certificate 4 in Youth Services at Gordon Institute and will use the $500 to assist him with the transition from secondary school to TAFE. His ultimate goal is to work in the youth services sector.
Sport – Niua Puaka
Niua is 15 years old and is a student at The Grange Secondary College. Niua is being recognised for his achievements in the sport of Rugby Union.
Niua is a member of the Wyndham Rugby Union Rhinos team. He has represented Victoria for the past 4 years and has been selected to participate in the Victorian Development Squad. In 2009 Niua received a 3 year scholarship to St Kevin’s College, which will commence at the beginning of next year.
This year Niua has been selected for the Victorian School boys for the European Tour which is to be held late November.
Niua maintains a strict personal training regime, which includes speed and endurance as well as weights and general conditioning. His ultimate goal is to represent Australia in the future.
When Niua is not playing Rugby Union, he enjoys playing drums at his local church.
Niua intends to use the $500 to assist with some of the costs associated with competing in the 2009 European Under 16’s tour.
Music- Remorse
Remorse is a dance group of 9 young people who been dancing together for the last year. Remorse is being recognised for their achievements in music and performance.
In this short time Remorse have demonstrated that they are talented having placed 5th at the Get Krumped hip hop dance competition and 4th at the Groove State Finals. Through their achievements Remorse have been offered a wild card entry to compete at the World Supremacy Battleground where they will be competing against 12 Countries in late November.
Remorse also perform locally having recently appeared at the Moon Vibes Festival and Wyndham City Council’s YouthFest.
The group trains 3 days a week and teach dancing styles to young people in the community. Members are keen for other young people to join their crew and would like to take hip hop to the next level.
Being involved in Remorse has been significant turning point for all of the members. It has allowed them to make positive changes in their lives and given them another avenue through which to express their emotions in a positive and constructive way. Their goal is to see other young people’s lives changed in a positive way by encouraging them to express their feelings through dance.
Summary
Storm, Niua and the Remorse Crew are all outstanding young people, who have made significant contributions to the community. They have worked hard to excel within their chosen fields of endeavour and are deserving winners of the Mayoral Youth Award.
They have been presented with their awards at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday 16 November.
JUNE QUARTER 2009
Due to the outstanding nature of the applications, two sporting awards have been awarded in the current round.
The winners of the Mayoral Youth Award for the June quarter are as follows;
Community Service, Volunteering and Leadership – Jarryd Phipps
Jarryd is 18 years old and lives in Hoppers Crossing. Jarryd is a young man with Down Syndrome who has challenged himself to strive for independence and community acceptance. Jarryd regularly volunteers at the Youth Resource Centre and has become a valued member of the Youth Services team. Jarryd especially enjoys assisting with the ‘Just for Guys’ and ‘Breakaway’ programs. He also helps out with a number of administrative tasks, including mail-outs and filing, as required.
During National Volunteer Week, Jarryd was featur