Left to right: Lucas Alexander Carter, Arts & Entertainment, Elizabeth Payne,Social Impact in Education, Charity Jean De Bruis, Youth Leadership Individual, Jamie Cairns, Youth Volunteer, The Y Streetgym Crew (Five in total – 2 rear right, 3 front right), Youth Leadership Group & Nominator Award Winner, Jopuka (3 front left), Nominator Award Winner.

Several young locals have received Central Coast Youth Week Award honours as part for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the local Central Coast community.

The Central Coast Youth Week Awards, which coincides with NSW Youth Week, is an initiative of Central Coast Council to recognise and highlight the accomplishments of young Coasties.

Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said these awards are just one way we can show our appreciation to young people who enrich our community.

“Categories range from Arts and Entertainments, Leadership, Sportsperson, Volunteer, Social Impact and more. It was imperative to us that we recognise a diverse range of young talent as each contribute to making the Coast a place where we can be proud to live, work and play in," Mr Cantillon said.

"It was a privilege to participate in the second Central Coast Youth Week Awards presentation night". 

“A huge congratulations to all award winners and finalists including the three local providers awarded in the Nominator category, with each receiving $1000 to implement a program or activity that positively benefits young people”.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the awards are vital in showing young people we care about their contribution to the community.

“Young people are valuable members of society and the way we include, reflect, and recognise their contribution will influence the future direction of the Central Coast.”

“Each individual should be proud of their continued contribution to our local community. We are honoured to have this chance to recognise the work that you do and celebrate the positive impacts you make,” said Mr Hart.

In addition to the formal awards, Council also wanted to acknowledge Siddhartha Bezwada for his achievements and resilience. He inspired the Youth Services team to award him with the Central Coast Council Inspirational Award.

The 2023 Central Coast Youth Week Award winners and finalists include:

Arts and Entertainment Award
Winner: Lucas Alexander Carter
Highly Commended: Brayden Macfarlane - Walker
Finalist: Matthew Trethewy

Social Impact in Education Award
Winner: Elizabeth Payne
Finalist: Emma Leigh Russell

Sportsperson of the Year Award
Winner: Talia Tebb
Highly Commended: Logan Radford
Finalist: Emily Lufe
Finalist: Wade Barr
Finalist: Jayden Morgan
Finalist: Hannah Stevenson
Finalist: Samuel Terry
Finalist: Alban Thornybrook
Finalist: Lilly Hofer

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Winner: Karla Jacob

Youth Leadership (Individual) of the Year Award
Winner: Charity Jean De Bruis
Highly Commended: Charli Grant
Finalist: Tayah Blackman
Finalist: Dylan Di Sciascio
Finalist: Annabelle King

Youth Leadership (Group) of the Year Award
Winner: The Y NSW StreetgYm Crew
Highly Commended: Jopuka
Finalist: Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club Under 14 Nipper Group
Finalist: Spark Collective

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Jamie Cairns
Highly Commended: Jenna smith
Finalist: James Haughain
Finalist: Madison Rose Wilson
Finalist: Tahlia Nott
Finalist: Ben McCulkin
Finalist: Siddhartha Bezwada
Finalist: Noah Ward
Finalist: Matilda Halliday

Nominator Awards 
Winners: The Y NSW, Jopuka, SPCC Young Parents College Central Coast

Central Coast Council Inspirational Award 
Winner: Siddhartha Bezwada

Environmental Award 
No nominations were received

For further information about the award categories visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/YouthWeekAwards

ENDS