Decade of excellence continues at Red Carpet Youth Awards

When Wodonga Council first established the awards, mayor Anna Speedie said, it was “never dreamed it would be going so long or would be such a prominent night”.

“Every time I come to this event, it absolutely staggers me how much each of our young people are contributing to our community,” she said.

“It gives me incredible pride, but also great hope, because when I step away form being a councillor I’m going to leave that (role) in some fantastic hands.”

It was an emotional night for many winners, with Jye McBurnie explaining his connection to Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire, played as he went to accept the Individual Community Service award.

“Before my great-grandmother passed away we would dance around her living room,” he said.

“I thought it was a very fitting song for a night like this.”

The avid volunteer also had a powerful message in his acceptance speech.

“I dedicate this award to the 657 people, who today … had fallen victim to family violence, of which 200 would be the age of the finalists here tonight,” he said.

Tayla Sjorgren also held back tears as she accepted the Endurance and Persistence award, which celebrates resilience.

More on the award winners:

Tayla is juggling year 12 at Wodonga Senior Secondary College and therapy for an acquired brain injury caused by a concussion in year 11 that affected her memory.

“I really wasn’t expecting it but I’d like to thank everyone here tonight, and my family,” she said.

Thirty-one finalists were chosen from 72 nominations and many of them were in the 200-strong crowd at The Cube.

Wodonga Senior Secondary College student Atosho Birongo was named the Youth Ambassador for 2017.

Just last month the 17-year-old was chosen from a field of 450 to be one of nine Australian UNICEF Young Ambassadors.

One of her predecessors, 2010 Youth Ambassador and now teacher Ashlea Bennett had some quality advice for the youth in the room.

“Follow your dreams and your passions, because whatever is in your heart is leading you,” she said.

Other award winners across the categories were Bryce Tracey (Apprenticeship and Traineeship); Alexandra Michael (Young Carer); Gemma Thorneycroft (Sport and Recreation Volunteer); Tyler Conlan (Visual Arts and Media); Patrick Sibomana (Advocacy and Action) and Meg Newton Music and Performing Arts).