An archer with four world records, an army cadet sergeant and an inspiring theatre group are among the winners in this year’s Macedon Ranges Youth Awards.
The annual awards attracted 33 nominations across six categories and were presented in an online ceremony last week.
Archer Hugo Lobb was named winner of the Nicely Played Award for his dedication and contribution to sport.
The Riddells Creek teen has already held 12 world records, received eight gold medals and now has the Olympic Games in his range (see story page one).
Australian Army Cadets cadet sergeant Lara Vicente was the winner of the Willpower Award for showing perseverance to achieve her goals. Recently diagnosed with autism, Lara has continued to prove it is no barrier to her success.
Lara has shown strong leadership, academic achievements and has lent her spare time to providing respite services to families with disabled youths.
“I realised that sitting in my comfort zone and waiting for opportunities to come to me wasn’t going to cut it. I needed to create my own opportunities,” Lara said.
DEDICATION AND CARE
Dedication and care were traits also shared by the recipients of the Skilling It Award, which celebrates youths excelling in their workplace.
Gisborne Family Dental trainee dental nurses: Melanie Horvath, Lorissa Koleceg and Abbey Raynor, were the joint winners for their diligence and client care.
Sienna Payne was presented the Good Deeds Award for her commitment to raise more than $1569 in the Act for Peace Ration Challenge. For one week, Sienna ate the same rations as a Syrian refugee living in a camp in Jordan to raise the funds.
“This experience has made me even more passionate about helping people in disadvantaged communities,” she said.
Her efforts will assist Syrian refugees access food, medicine and education.
The Youth Awards also highlighted the achievements of young people pursuing their passion for creativity through the arts.
Mount Players Youth Theatre Leadership Group was recognised for its commitment to inspiring and developing the skills of the next generation of performers as winners of the Pure Imagination Award.
Also inspiring young people to achieve their dreams is Molly Consiglio who was presented the Well Aware Award.
Molly has been particularly encouraging and supportive to young females as a player and leader for the Lancefield Cricket Club’s women’s team. She has encouraged many new players and helped to break down the barriers for women in sport in her community.
Molly also assisted in raising $50,000 for the the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre through Camp 4 Cancer.
CHALLENGING TIME
Macedon Ranges Shire Council mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson, said the efforts of Macedon Ranges’ youths during a challenging time was impressive.
“These last 18 months have been tough with almost everything having to be done differently and I know that young people in the Macedon Ranges are really leading the way in adapting to all these changes,” she said.
“You’ve missed out on so much that would be normal rites of passage and other things you would do but instead of just sitting there, you’ve innovated, you’ve done different things, you’ve supported one another.”
