Boroondara Youth Awards 2023
The annual Boroondara Youth Awards recognise the important role young people and organisations play in contributing to a safer and more resilient community.
Boroondara Youth Voice member, Ishmam Khandoker hosted the 2023 Boroondara Youth Awards presentation ceremony. Isham facilitated a conversation with guest speakers Hamza Ahmed, a young speaker from the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Evie Flynn, the 2022 Young Environmentalist award winner, with attendees also treated to a music performance from local musician, Harriet Wraith.
Winners
Congratulations to the 2023 finalists and winners.
Inclusive Program: Swinburne Voice and Community
Swinburne Voice and Community Group was recognised for its work supporting neurodiverse students to engage and create new initiatives within the school.
Community Work: Brenton Ponza
Brenton was recognised for his work with the gymnastics program at Boroondara Sports Complex and Gymnastics Victoria as well as his fundraising efforts for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre.
Creative Arts: Ben Chesler
Benjamin was awarded for his work with Camberwell Grammarians’ Theatre Company. He wrote and co-produced an original play called Memory’s Recess, allowing other theatre groups to use the work free of charge.
Environment and Sustainability: Henry Shirrefs
Henry was awarded for creating sustainability projects at school, including inter-school collaborations across Boroondara, and sharing initiatives with the Australian Conservation Foundation and Electrify Boroondara.
Leadership: Ravin Desai
Ravin was recognised for work including his participation in Youth Voice, representing the City of Boroondara at YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament, and as Chair of the Rotary Interact District Council.
“There are so many benefits to getting involved with your community. Whether that be personal or to your larger community. It allows you to engage with the wider community and you get to make a meaningful change.”
