The 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards were announced last night, Thursday 10 April 2025, at a celebration event, shining a spotlight on some remarkable young individuals who are making a difference.

The Youth Week Awards, which coincide with NSW Youth Week, is an initiative of Central Coast Council and once again saw an extraordinary mix of achievements in arts and entertainment, community service, the sports, volunteering and  leaders helping those in need and creating positive change.

Council Director Community and Recreation, Melanie Smith said these awards are just one way we can show our appreciation to young people who are shaping the future.

“The Central Coast Youth Week Awards, now in its fourth year, is building a thriving network committed to supporting young people alongside the youth sector, industry and NSW Government,” Ms Smith said. 

“It was imperative to us that we recognise a diverse range of young talent as each contribute to making the Coast a place we can be proud to live, work and play,” Ms Smith said. 

The Awards event was not only a special occasion for all the nominees, but also their families and friends and other guests, who were able to appreciate and acknowledge the  extraordinary talent and abilities of young people on the Central Coast.

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the Awards are an important demonstration of the Central Coast’s support for young people and recognise that their contributions will influence the future direction of the Central Coast. 

“The quality of the entries for this year’s Central Coast Youth Week Awards was outstanding, and I congratulate everyone who has been named as a finalist. With so much commitment and enthusiasm, I know that the future is in good hands,” Mayor McKinna said.

“These Awards put a spotlight on local young people who are working hard to make a difference or are achieving great things.”

The 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Award winners are:

Arts and Entertainment Award
Winner: Ruby Archer

Community Service and Activity Award
Winner:  Alice Masia 

First Nations Cultural Award
Winner: Alice Masia

Social Impact in Education / Community Award
Winner: Elijah Rea

Sportsperson Award
Winner: Chloe Karsten

Youth Leadership (Individual) of the Year Award
Winner: Carmen Malikides

Youth Leadership (Group) of the Year Award
Winner:  guyung minig (Black Fire)

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Matilda Lawrence 

Inspiration Award
Winner: Lachlan Hobman

Nominator Award
Winners: Neurokind, Making Footprints and Central Coast Surf Lifesaving

This program is funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. 

For further information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/YouthWeekAwards