The annual Boroondara Youth Awards recognise the important role young people and organisations play in contributing to a safer and more resilient community.
Boroondara Youth Voice member, and Environment and Sustainability Award 2023 winner, Evie Flynn, hosted the 2025 Boroondara Youth Awards presentation ceremony. Guest speakers included:
- Cr Rob Baillieu, Riversdale Ward Councillor
- Zeta Hamilton-Durkin, 2024 Creative Arts Award winner
There was a musical performance by band Dysmetria from Youth Hub Live.
Leadership (Senior): Matisse Stafford
Environment and Sustainability: Ivy Sheng, Youth Awards host: Evie Flynn
Youth Volunteer: Aaron Oommen
Inclusive Youth Program: Swinburne Music Society - Music Mondays Committee: Parth Bajaj, Eden Cvetkovic, and Jack Sloan, with Cr Rob Baillieu
Winners
Congratulations to the 2025 finalists and winners.
Leadership (Junior): Jin S Li
Jin was awarded for founding an innovative educational mentorship program, which supports over 45 students through culturally inclusive tutoring.
Leadership (Senior): Matisse Stafford
Matisse was awarded for leadership across education, employment, and volunteering with organisations like the Red Cross and Surf Life Saving Victoria.
Creative Arts: Yong Hao Chan
Yong was awarded for creating new music programs and increasing access to performance opportunities at Balwyn High School.
Environment and Sustainability: Ivy Sheng
Ivy was awarded for her podcast production on fracking, amplifying expert voices and youth awareness through the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and 3CR Radio.
Youth Volunteer: Aaron Oommen
Aaron was awarded for his for commitment to volunteering across school, church, and community, including with The Salvation Army and Rotary’s Interact Club.
Youth Professional: Rosie Hilder
Rosie was awarded for leading inclusive learning practices and supporting student wellbeing through school-wide professional development and support.
Inclusive Youth Program: Swinburne Music Society - Music Mondays
Swinburne Music Society was awarded for providing a free, inclusive music program that creates creative and social opportunities for diverse Swinburne University students.