Wollongong Youth Week Awards

Audrey is an outstanding young volunteer, leader and mentor who has an unwavering dedication to tennis and her community.

Over the past five years, she has accumulated nearly 600 hours of volunteer service as a ballkid. In 2024, she was honoured as NSW Top Gun ballkid in the Australian Open whilst completing the LEARN2LEAD youth leadership program. She actively encourages youth participation in tennis, coaches younger children at the Fairy Meadow Tennis Club, and is instrumental in creating opportunities for local youth through the inaugural Wollongong ballkid trials.

Kyarlee is a proud Gamilaraay woman and is a dedicated and inspiring young Aboriginal leader. She leverages her voice, knowledge, and lived experiences to empower young individuals and reinforce cultural identity as well as create meaningful change within her community.

She actively engages with community through her role at Gadhungal Marring, teaching Aboriginal culture in schools and mentoring young people. She also participates in community events and initiatives, such as being a panel speaker for International Women’s Day with Shellharbour City Council and serving as the Master of Ceremonies at a Youth Summit.

Mitchell Wilson has made a substantial impact through his exceptional photography in Wollongong and beyond. His stunning images of the Illawarra region have gained widespread attention and is often used to showcase our region to the world.

In 2025, he successfully sold all his exhibited pieces. His achievements and accolades also extend to winning or placing in the U21s photography at Sydney Royal Easter Show between 2022-2025 and being the youngest participant in AFL’s Footy Focus Masterclass 2025.

Bronte is a talented performer, excelling in drama, singing, and dance. She has graced the stage in numerous community productions throughout Wollongong and is actively engaged in local organizations, contributing to both productions and fundraising efforts while advocating for community theatre in the region.

She is an active member of the Arcadians Theatre Group, Wollongong Workshop Theatre, and Woods Ray Theatricals, establishing a solid presence in the local arts scene. Additionally, she participates in Wollongong City Eisteddfod and is the Creative Arts Junior Captain at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College.

Hartley is an exceptional young snowboarder whose accomplishments extend well beyond mere competition results.

Living with permanent medical conditions, he aspires to be a powerful role model for other young individuals who are confronting medical hurdles, showing them that their circumstances does not dictate their potential. Competing in a mentally and physically tough sport, Hartley is enjoying a winning streak internationally and is determined to continue this run.

As a proud advocate for inclusive sports, Hartley also spends time as a volunteer and mentor for local organisations like Frame Runners Wollongong and Disabled Surfers South Coast.

Jessica is deeply committed to sustainability and actively promotes environmental awareness. As a dedicated community member, she strives to reduce pollution and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment, not only for the residents of Wollongong but also for the local wildlife and ecosystem.

She is an executive member of the University of Wollongong’s Human Geography and Sustainability Society and is an active Volunteer Leader. Through these roles, she facilitates numerous events such as campus clean-ups, upcycling workshops and community garden events. This is one way to help students get involved and learn more about the environmental impacts of their actions.

Ruah is the founder of HennaBloom, a business dedicated to providing henna services to the Wollongong community. Through her enterprise, she has successfully transformed a personal passion into a meaningful venture that fosters connections at gatherings and special events. Ruah has utilized her earnings from HennaBloom to support multiple charities, underscoring her commitment to purpose over profit. Her generosity exemplifies strong values and a genuine dedication to giving back to the community.

Congratulations also go to the following nominees, who were highly commended in our Youth Week Awards:

• Highly Commended Young Person - Community Ambassador 2026: Hayden McCullough
• Highly Commended Young Person - Community Ambassador 2026: Tallara Fittler
• Highly Commended Young Person - Sportsperson 2026: Harry Fraser
• Highly Commended Young Person - Sportsperson 2026: Oscar Howes
• Highly Commended Young Person - Artist 2026: Amelie Masset
• Highly Commended Young Person - Volunteer 2026: Nate Jennett