CARING for sick parents, tackling homophobia and basketball coaching are just a few of the endeavours of finalists in Wodonga’s Red Carpet Youth Awards.
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The annual prizes, which recognise 14 to 24 year-olds who live, work or study in Wodonga, will be presented at The Cube on Friday night.
Organising committee member Mia McGaffin, a year 12 Victory Lutheran College student, was involved in judging the young carer award.
“That was a real eye-opener to see how many people are caring for these people and not getting to be acknowledged and that’s why we need these awards to give them inspiration,” Mia said.
Finalists in that category include Mikaela Reid, 18, who tends her father who has a tracheotomy, Jessica Bath, 15, who cares for three younger siblings, Melanie Gale, 16, who aided her late mother, and Paris Anderson, 16, the sole carer for her mother who has cancer.
Melanie’s sister Krystal, 23, who give birth last year and held two jobs while caring for her mother and younger siblings, is contending for the endurance and persistence award.
In the advocacy section, homophobia challenger Sheridan Williams, 23, is up against wildlife helper Sarah Smith, 22, mental health voice Hannah Ockenden-Muldoon, 23, and environmental carer Sheldon Smith, 17.
Basketball player and coach Breanna Green, 16, is a nominee in the sport and recreation and youth ambassador categories.
“I was shocked when I was nominated for it and then when I became a finalist, because I’ve never thought about what I’ve been doing,” the Catholic College year 11 student said.
“I just do it, because I love to do it.
“I had some really good coaches in the past and had some that are not that amazing, so I wanted to give back to the kids and have them enjoy it as well.”
Fellow Catholic College student Anna Ross is a finalist in the visual arts and media award.
The Yackandandah resident has been involved in film-making projects and street art with Indigo Shire.
As well her photograph of Moreton Bay fig was projected on to the side of a silo at Rutherglen last year.
“It’s an honour obviously,” Anna, 18, said of the kudos.
She then added: “It’s just really good that the council is acknowledging arts in the community.”