A young playwright, a budding environmentalist and a gymnastics coach are among recipients of this year’s Boroondara Youth Awards.
Held at Hawthorn Town Hall in September, the awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of young people, schools and support services in Boroondara, and recognise their efforts in helping create a connected, welcoming and resilient community. There were 31 nominees across 5 award categories. Winner of the Community Work Award, Brenton Ponza, says he feels proud and very special to receive it.
Brenton has been a volunteer gymnastics coach for mainstream and special needs classes at Boroondara Sports Complex for more than 5 years, and has volunteered for Gymnastics Victoria and other organisations.
'I love my gymnastics volunteering job − I like to help other students,' he says. 'When I was younger I was part of the Go Zone special needs group, and now I’m their volunteer coach.'
Brenton, who has cerebral palsy, also helps raise funds for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC).
'CPEC supported me and my family to learn how my body works and taught me skills to be as independent as possible,' he says. 'Without CPEC I would not be as active as I am now. I fundraise to give back to CPEC for all they have given to me.'
The winners of the 2023 Boroondara Youth Awards are as follows.
Inclusive program
Winner: Swinburne Senior Secondary College – Swinburne Voice and Community Group
Swinburne Voice and Community Group was recognised for its work supporting neurodiverse students to engage and create new initiatives within the school.
Creative arts
Winner: Benjamin 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.
Community work (professional or volunteer)
Winner: 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.
Environment and sustainability
Winner: 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
Winner: 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.
Find out more
Boroondara Youth provides support, activities and events for young people who live, work, study or visit Boroondara. From music and art events to sport and recreation activities or school holiday programs and workshops, you’ll find a range of youth events and activities on our Boroondara Youth page.
Nominations for the 2024 Boroondara Youth Awards will open in March 2024.