Youth Award winners 2026

The annual Boroondara Youth Awards recognise the important role young people and organisations play in contributing to a safer and more resilient community.

The 2026 Boroondara Youth Awards were held at Hawthorn Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 September and celebrated 45 finalists across 6 diverse categories. 

Thank you to our hosts Tom Curkowskyj and Rahul Doloi and guest speaker Chantelle Lloyd-Shrimpton. 

Meet the winners

Congratulations to the 2026 finalists and winners.

Creative Arts: Cecilia Xu

Cecilia was awarded for her work inspiring and supporting other young artists in Boroondara. Since 2020, she has helped create meaningful opportunities for young people to build their confidence and reach their potential.  

Highly commended: Shana Sarrafzadeh

Environment and Sustainability: Clarissa Jolie

Clarissa is a passionate young environmental leader at Kew High School and was awarded for inspiring students and the wider community to reduce waste and embrace sustainability through her Eco Crew initiatives.

Highly commended: Max Andrighetto

Leadership (Junior):  Kevin Ch’ng

Kevin was awarded for his role championing youth advocacy, volunteering, multicultural inclusion and aged care engagement, demonstrating his strong commitment to community service. 

Highly commended: Taha Rasaeimoghaddam

Leadership (Senior): Harrison Haintz

Harrison was awarded for his community initiative ‘BIG RED BOWS’ that has promoted suitability, supported charitable causes and strengthened community connections. 

Highly commended: Francesca Amalfi

Youth Volunteer: Stella La Porte

Stella was awarded for her dedication as a volunteer and assistant coach at Hawthorn Judo Club where she was who has spent the past 4 years coaching, mentoring and supporting other younger members. 

Highly commended: Mary Haramantas

Youth Professional: Jennifer Sun (Access Unlocked)

Jennifer is the Co-Founder of Access Unlocked, which empowers young people from migrant families to engage meaningfully with school and social systems by providing important resources and information on exam preparation, work experience, interview preparation and resume writing.

Highly commended: Eloise Raits (Canterbury Girls' Secondary College)

Inclusive Youth Program: Youth Advisory Group (headspace Hawthorn)

The Youth Advisory Group is a youth-led volunteer group that empowers young people to improve mental health services and reduce stigma across the Boroondara community. Through education, community engagement and lived experience leadership, the group has created meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, feel included and access support.

Highly commended: Neuro-affirming Inclusive Education Program (Andale School)