When considering this award, the judging panel regarded the following criteria:
- Has made an outstanding contribution to the community in a voluntary capacity;
- Has been an inspiration/role model to others; and
- Has shown achievements in community activities, academic, sporting, personal, cultural, environmental and/or social responsibility.
Meet the nominees:
Emily Ablett
Emily has shown outstanding leadership as a member of the Mildura Rural City Council Youth Council, contributing to youth-focused projects and a strategic youth survey. Her engagement Councillors and Council staff on key issues has positively impacted her community and nurtured her development as a young leader.
Anares Chisakula
Anares has shown remarkable resilience, excelling academically and contributing to her community. She supports her family by caring for her two-year-old sister and assisting her mother, exemplifying strength, dedication and kindness.
Mason Rogers
Mason’s determination, initiative persistence, work ethic and commitment to learning highlight his resilience and dedication to achieving personal career aspirations.
Connor Burns
Connor has excelled in the local theatre scene, starring in notable roles like Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr and Jack in Into the Woods, while also volunteering for set building and painting during his VCE studies. His talent and dedication earned him the rare distinction of winning both The Gong and The Dame awards in the same season.
Jack Carter
Jack, a self-taught BMX freestyle rider, began during COVID by building his own ramps and practicing tirelessly despite injuries. With family support and professional coaching, he placed third in his first international competition and the Victorian State competition, showcasing his resilience, tenacity and dedication while balancing school and work.
Anares and Madeleine Chisakula
Since moving to Mildura, Anares and Madeleine have embraced their new community through various activities inspiring others in their peer groups to do the same.
Kyshia Murray
Kyshia has displayed a lot of resilience and persistence throughout her year which is most evident in her art.
Frankee-Mae Keenan
Frankee-Mae began volunteering with SRS at 15, she has since earned two VET qualifications while excelling in her studies, later receiving multiple awards, including the 2024 SuniTAFE VETDSS Student of the Year for her dedication to supporting children with high-care disabilities.
Electric Light Theatre
Junior Producers: Jack Hoyle, Georgia Judd, Aleisha Hoyle and Kiata Bruton
The Electric Light Theatre (ELT) Junior Producers program develops creativity, leadership and technical theatre skills through roles in costume design, stagecraft, choreography and character development. Georgia, Jack, Aleisha and Kiara have played key roles in productions like Welcome to Rio and The Door List, enhancing morale and fostering creativity, while also contributing to schools, Scouts, and other groups, preparing them for future opportunities in theatre and beyond.