The Youth Initiative Award celebrates and honours the outstanding contributions of young people aged between 15 and 25 who are making a meaningful and positive impact in the Upper Yarra community.
This annual award recognises dedication, leadership, and community spirit in our local youth.
Congratulations Indigo
UYCE is pleased to announce the Winner of the 2025 Youth Initiative Award is Indigo Janssen from Warburton.
Indigo was presented with her award at the Annual General Meeting of UYCE Ltd held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.
Indigo Janssen was nominated by Sarah Ward, her MISFIT Project Mentor, for her involvement and commitment to the MISFIT Project (Theatre Group). Indigo is currently 17 years of age.
As soon as Indigo was old enough, she began volunteering in the MISFIT Project classes, which she herself had been involved in since the age of 11, as well as attending camps and activities, showing initiative and dedication to giving back. Nominated by Sarah Ward (a past recipient of this award), Indigo has consistently sought to educate herself and improve so she can be a stronger support and positive role model for others. She has shown great insight into the challenges young people face—particularly in the years following COVID—and has contributed thoughtful, practical solutions that have had a lasting positive impact on reducing anxiety and building confidence in our youth. Indigo approaches young people with deep understanding and care, creating spaces where they feel seen, safe, and valued. Indigo has transformed her life challenges into a source of wisdom and compassion, using what she has experienced to help those around her. It’s this authenticity and courage that make her not only a leader now, but someone who will continue to grow as a powerful advocate and role model for others in the future.
And sincere thanks to Sarah for the nomination. This $1,000 Award has been running since 2012 and is presented as part of our Ian De La Rue Youth Program. Sarah was an inaugural co-winner of this award herself. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people in our community who aspire to become changemakers for good into the future.
Celebrating young changemakers in the Upper Yarra
Upper Yarra Community Enterprise is proud to present the Youth Initiative Award. This annual honour recognises and rewards a young person aged between 15 and 25 who is making a positive and lasting contribution to the Upper Yarra community.
Open: Now Open
Close: Midnight 24 October 2025
How to Nominate: nominations are now closed
Winner Announced: At the UYCE Ltd Annual General Meeting – 4th Wednesday in November
We invite community members to ‘Give a Shout Out’ and nominate an exceptional young person involved in a local group, club, school, or community organisation.
We’re looking for young people who:
The nominee must:
This $1,000 award was first awarded in 2012, the initiative is proudly supported by Community Banks Warburton and Yarra Junction, and made possible through the ongoing commitment of UYCE Ltd.
All nominations are reviewed by UYCE Ltd, and their decision is final.
