Released 15/12/2023
Tayla Scarcella has taken out the top honour at the 2023 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards for her advocacy and extensive community volunteer work.
Ms Scarcella is a leading advocate for young people involved in the out of home care system. These young people often have lived experiences of neglect, poverty and disconnection from family.
The Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award, recognises a person aged 12 to 25 who has made an outstanding contribution to the local Canberra community.
Ms Scarcella has also made significant contributions to the community through volunteer roles in the CREATE Foundation, Speak Up, Youth Advisory Group and CREATE Your Future program, Youth Care Packages Committee, and the ACT Youth Advisory Council.
Several other young people were also honoured during the Awards ceremony held at QT Canberra on 15 December.
Minister for Youth Affairs Yvette Berry said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to all the winners and nominees. You have all made an exceptional impact on your local communities. All of Canberra is incredibly proud of you."
“I would especially like to acknowledge 2023 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Tayla Scarcella. Tayla is using her skills to empower, guide, advise and inspire young people in our community. I look forward to seeing her achievements as she continues her advocacy and volunteering."
Recipients of the 2023 Awards are:
Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award - Ms Tayla Scarcella
Young Achiever Award recipient - Mr Ananth Ravi
Mr Ravi is an exceptional individual who excels across diverse domains, showcasing remarkable proficiency in academics, sports, arts, and community engagement. His dedication to community service exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact on society. Ravi has achieved great success in his sporting career and is also a youth mentor who gives back to the community through his involvement in the DARE (Developing Adolescent Resilience and Enterprise) program, which harnesses the strengths of teamwork and leadership through fitness, sport, and positive role modelling. He also contributes to the ACT community through a number of volunteering roles.
Personal Achievement Award - Ms Jana Ayad
Ms Ayad is a positive role model for young people to aspire to and has contributed to the ACT through her personal efforts and by being actively involved in her school and sports the community. She is an active member of her school community as an SRC rep and a member of band and choir and also supports a number of charitable caused with fundraising efforts of the school.
Individual Community Service Award - Ms Rhianna Connors-Johnston
Ms Connors-Johnston is a proud Ngambri/Ngunnawal woman who is an exceptional role model to her peers and the wider indigenous community. She has and continues to excel in everything she does, particularly in her work in the community to advocate for and improve outcomes for the Aboriginal community, and young people who face disadvantage.
Environment and Sustainability Award - Eco-délégués, Telopea Park School
The Eco-délégués group has excelled in the field of sustainable development, composed of about 20 students from primary and secondary school (Australian and French streams) in a completely bilingual environment. The group has a strong commitment to creating and promoting waste-wise and green culture within their school environment through a number of programs and activities.
Arts and Multimedia Award - Mr Daniel Bartholomaeus
Mr Bartholomaeus is an inspiring role model, he is passionate about helping others to reach their full potential, and is creating real change for young people with disabilities in Canberra through his art. Through his community work he is a mentor and ambassador for neurodiversity and mental health, through collaboration with the Daydream Machine, a program for neuro-diverse young people who has participated in recordings for the United Nations Information Centre in Canberra, hosted art exhibitions, events, and art auctions for charities to assist others with mental health issues, people with disability, and the underprivileged through his art.
Group Achievement Award - ANU Auslan Club
ANU Auslan Club was developed and implemented in 2023, by a mix of hard-of-hearing and hearing student volunteers from the ANU, in collaboration with an Advisory Board from the Canberra Deaf Community, the club delivers small-group Auslan (Australian Sign Language) courses. The ANU AUSLAN Club has contributed significantly to the community and foster cohesion, understanding and belonging.
More information about the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award categories can be found at www.communityservices.act.gov.au/youth/young-canberra-citizen-of-the-year-award.
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Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases