Youth Initiative Award – Previous Winners
Award Winners – | 2024 Talei Whiteside
TALEI WHITESIDE was nominated by Kate Feagan, teacher at Upper Yarra Secondary College for her varied volunteer community contributions including:
- Gladysdale Primary School – Design of student uniforms
- Upper Yarra Secondary College – School Captain
“Talei has given to and looked out for others throughout her life and never asks for anything in return. Even whilst studying for Year 12 , she remained selfless as School Captain and always present to support other students and community members. Her work in many aspects of community life have meant that others are always feeling strong and safe.” – Kate Feagan, UYSC Teacher
Award Winners – | 2023 Cooper Allum and Marley Perry
COOPER ALLUM, was nominated by Catherine Aulich Upper Yarra Basketball Association for his volunteer community contributions to:
- Upper Yarra Basketball Association Inc – Assistant Referee Advisor & Referee Trainee Program Lead
- Upper Yarra Secondary College – Student Representative Council
MARLEY PERRY, was nominated by Mitchell Gray Upper Yarra Secondary College and Haley Toy Yarra Junction Junior Netball Club for her volunteer community contributions to:
- Yarra Junction Junior Netball Club – Coach of the U13 team; Coach of the U11 team
- Wesburn Junior Football Club – Trainer for the U11 team
- Upper Yarra Secondary College – Assisting with running the local primary school sports programs
Award Winners 2022 – No award
Award Winners – 2021 Rosie Hellicar
Nominated by Kelly Taylor her teacher at Cire, for her involvement and commitments with:
- Misfit Project (Theatre Group) – working as an Assistant on productions that involve and cater for young people in the Upper Yarra, giving them a place to belong and develop.
- Koha Community Café – volunteer at this weekly community café, providing meals for those who may not otherwise be able to support their family
- Interchange Outer East – volunteer disability support worker attending camps and day activities helping children participate and engage in the program
At 17 years of age, Rosie has demonstrated her unwavering philosophy of service to others and the Upper Yarra community and is a true role model.
Award Winners 2020 Ashlee Shotter and Jordynne Castleton
Ashlee Shotter
Nominated by Bronwyn Foley.
Ashlee has been recognised for her volunteer contribution to her local netball club in coaching Under 11s and coordinating fund raising activities; her active involvement in the CAN for Cambodia project fundraising for Cambodian landmine amputees; her volunteer involvement with the local aged care facility and her student leadership and support – serving on the SRC as President and being College Captain at her school.
Jordynne Castleton
Nominated by Sarah Ward
Jordyanne has been recognised for leadership roles at school, Rotary Camps and the MISFITS Theatre Group. Special mention is made of her project MISFIT online which she developed in response to Covid19 impacts – enabling people of all ages to access a safe supportive online space for engagement; and in weekly programs and activities.
Award Winners 2019 Raegan Charlton Smith
Nominated by Jennifer Story
Reagan Charlton Smith is on a mission to break down the barriers between young people and the aged. She recently completed work placement at AdventCare in Warburton, supporting aged people to improved the quality of their lives. Since the age of 12 years old, she has prided herself on building positive relationships with the residents at AdventCare, visiting with the elderly at her mother’s place of work. During this time, the 18 year old, has grown and matured learning important skills in empathy, and about the needs of the aged physically, cognitively, sensory, culturally and spiritually.
Reagan has experienced first hand the way having younger people around can lift an older person’s spirits and has set her life purpose to support the elderly live their best lives, and encourage other young people to consider their options and work in Aged Care as well. Her choices are a great example of how to bring the elderly and young together in the Upper Yarra Valley.
Award Winners 2018 Teri McIntyre
Nominated by Isabella Andueza. This is what she had to say:
Teri is a key driver of “The Girls Movement” organisation. She saw a gap in the local community for a young women’s support network and was motivated to make a difference. Teri believes that one of the most important things for young women today is empowerment.
On top of working full time, Teri has been completing her course to become a qualified female self-defence instructor. She is currently developing programs and initiatives to engage and empower girls in the Upper Yarra Valley.
Award Winners 2017 Alyssa Parkins and Rachel Lee
Nominated by Fiona Gilsenan from the Redwood Community Centre, with additional input from Heather Sayer from Interchange Outer East. This is what they had to say:
Alyssa has been mentoring with the Redwood Community Centre for five years, playing a key role in the Redwood Kids mentoring program. She has built strong connections with local primary school children and supported several in their transition to high school.
For the past 18 months, Alyssa has also volunteered with Interchange Outer East. She began helping with weekend and school holiday recreation activities and has since contributed over 600 hours of her time. Alyssa supports young children with disabilities, giving them opportunities to have fun while offering their families much-needed respite. Her maturity, dedication, and compassion make her an exceptional mentor—not only to participants but also to fellow volunteers and staff.
Rachel Lee was nominated by Scott Tully, Principal of Upper Yarra Secondary College. Described as an “outstanding young lady dedicated to improving her community,” Rachel is passionate about helping others and making a difference.
As College Captain and President of the Student Representative Council, Rachel has been a powerful advocate for student voice, particularly in promoting open conversations about mental health. She also represents students on the School Council and has driven numerous initiatives aimed at building belonging and connection among students.
Outside of school, Rachel has coached junior basketball and netball, refereed games, and was recently employed part-time by Yarra Ranges Council as a Youth Ambassador, representing the views and needs of young people in future planning.
Both Alyssa and Rachel are inspiring examples of young people making a lasting impact in the Upper Yarra community.
Award Winners 2016 – No award
Award Winners 2015 – Five Recipients
Aleksei Bondarenko-Edwards
Nominated by Lesley Grimes
Aleksei is a local champion for affordable health and wellbeing. Through his work at the Yarra Centre, he has created positive networks with community health practitioners, and mental health support networks and runs programs to engage with young adults in the local community. He has youthful energy and his skills in marketing/social media have provided new perspectives in connecting his community. He has supported ‘Community Bank Warburton Up and Running’ to showcase Warburton as a place of recreation and encourage the community to exercise. Aleksei is completing his Masters in Community Development.
Rebecca Lumsden-Keys
Nominated by Sarah Ward-Brumhead
Rebecca is a director of MISFIT Theatre, promoting inclusive youth participation and profiling over 140 young people’s stories on social media. She also leads The MISFIT Project, a social enterprise supporting youth opportunities. Active in River Valley Church and co-organiser of Warburton Carols by Candlelight, Rebecca balances community work with being a Deakin University student, mother, and co-owner of a photography business.
Harley Lubeck
Nominated by Tony Aulich
When adversity struck, Harley rose to the challenge. Re-enrolling back into school, he has grown personally and been committed to making up lost ground. He is a role model to other young men and displays a keen interest in community. He was active in the Warburton Skatepark initiative and recently co-organised a fundraiser for War Veterans.
Harley is heavily involved in the Yarra Junction Football and Netball clubs and coaches their after-school kids football program. He is in Year 12 at the Cire Community School where he is senior Student Council Representative.
Hannah Mahoney
Nominated by Kate Barratt
Hannah understands one person can make a difference. She is a true advocate for Warburton and proudly volunteers at Koha Community Café, Redwood Kids resilience building program, the local school and the community gardens. She is considerate and passionate in her commitment to help and motivate others. She is currently Junior School Captain at Upper Yarra Secondary College. She recently offered ‘Free Hugs’ in Melbourne to spread the message of kindness.
Steven Sanders
Nominated by Barry McDonald
When the Powelltown Football Club needed an Under 18 coach this year, Steven stepped up as a leader. Steven has, through his patience and determination, created a culture of hard work and a challenging, yet safe environment for the players who all look up to him, and despite not winning a game all year have remained committed and connected. Steve always leads with the values of honesty, respect and integrity.
Award Winners 2014 Kieren De Visser
Kieren De Visser was presented with the Youth Initiative Award 2014 in recognition of his passion for supporting efforts for cancer research. Instead of fundraising by the usual means, Kieren decided to ride from Uluru to Yarra Junction which took 26 days and he was able to raise about $10,000 for the Cancer Council.
Award Winners 2013 Skye Johnston
Skye Johnston was presented the 2013 award at the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise Annual General Meeting on Wednesday October 30, 2013. Skye is a year 10 student at the Upper Yarra Secondary College. She excels as a leader in both her basketball and school activities and is well regarded for her humanitarian work. Congratulations Skye.
Award Winners 2012 Sarah Ward and Lily Belle Hellicar
We were pleased to announce that in 2012 two inspiring young women received the Ian De La Rue Youth Initiative Award. They were Sarah Ward and Lily Belle Hellicar. Both work in their communities in different capacities and are passionate about what they do to make their communities a better place. Congratulations!
