Released 29/11/2024
A young African-Australian community leader tonight won the 2024 Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Award.
Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT and uses her lived experience to be a role model for young people.
Ms Rabi emigrated from South Sudan in 2019 and encourages celebrating African culture in Canberra and promotes social cohesion and engagement in the broader community.
Minister for Children, Youth and Families Michael Pettersson said Ms Rabi had an unwavering spirit and resilience.
“She has overcome significant adversity before making Australia her home, losing both her parents at a young age and moving to Australia aged 15 to live with her aunt,” Minister Pettersson said.
“Her advocacy not only promotes inclusivity but also fosters a greater understanding of the diverse experiences and contributions of African Australians. We are rightly proud to call her our own.”
Minister Pettersson said many the young people, aged 12 and 25 years, who won awards or were commended tonight had inspirational stories of dedication, commitment and resilience.
“I congratulate all those winners, finalists and those who received commendations, you are the future of our city, and we are already seeing your contributions make a real difference to our community,” Minister Pettersson said.
WINNERS AND COMMENDATIONS:
There were 7 categories in the Young Canberran Citizen of the Year Awards this year. They included the following winners and commendations:
Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award
Winner
Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi
Ms Rabi is an Executive Youth Leader at the African Australian Council ACT and a powerful advocate for African Australian youth. She celebrates African culture and promotes social cohesion, helping to mitigate isolation and the impact of racial abuse, while encouraging broader community engagement.
Commendation
Ms Tahalianna Mahanga
Young Achiever Award
Winner
Mr Seth Burr
Seth Burr is a Leadership group member at his school, a mentor for younger students and a member of ACT Scouts. He participates in ANZAC Day marches, Gang Shows, peer monitoring, school musicals and fundraising events.
Commendation
Ms Emma Booth
Personal Achievement Award
Winner
Miss Jasmine Eldridge
Jasmine Eldridge, a single mother, has overcome many of her personal challenges. Gaining a diploma in Educational Studies and her lived experience she is advocating for young people with disabilities.
Commendation
Ms Jemma Rule
Individual Community Service Award
Winner
Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz
Mx Barancewicz is actively involved in Youth Advocacy Groups, projects, such as the ACT Youth Advisory Council, Disability Youth Reference Group, Unruly Girls Youth Ethics Advisory Group, Member and The ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the Youth Mental Health Youth Reference Group (YRG).
Commendation
Miss Sonali Varma
Environment and Sustainability Award
Winner
Ms Anjali Sharma
Ms Sharma is a climate activist who introduced a Bill with Senator David Pocock, called the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill, to compel the Federal Government to take the health of young people into consideration when approving developments that may release greenhouse gases.
Commendation
Ms Yuna Rougeaux
Commendation
Ms Neve Larsen
Arts and Multimedia Award
Winner
Ms Tahalianna Mahanga
Ms Mahanga, a proud young Wiradjuri and Tongan woman performs as a solo vocalist and is a youth advocate, including the ACT Student Representative at the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group. She was involved with The Mindyigari Centre for Excellence at Erindale College and the Gugan-Gulwan Youth Association.
Commendation
Ms Grace Flanagan
Group Achievement Award
Winner
St Mary MacKillop College
The Year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College designed the 'Relay Your Way' event, a local community initiative that celebrates cancer survivorship, honours those we've lost, and spurs on the fight against cancer. They raised over $75,000 for the Relay for Life this year, the highest fundraising total for Relay for Life across Australia.
Commendation
ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance Youth Reference Group
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases