VICTORIA

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards VIC

2024 Winners

All Winners on stage with MC Blake Johnson

 

2024 Young Achiever of The Year - Mohammed Alebrahimi

 

Winner Mohammed Alebrahimi (left) & Nina Taylor MP, Representing the Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, The Minister for Youth (right)

 

Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award

Mohammed Alebrahimi of Essendon transformed his own experience into positive change for Melbourne's Arabic-speaking community. Mohammed is an Iraqi refugee, arriving in Australia in 1998. He established businesses offering vocational training, catering, and aged care services, and created a community drop-in centre. Mohammed's home care services and Beloved Community Group provide vital support, social gatherings, and educational opportunities. His volunteer work in optometry in India improved many lives. Overcoming challenges like funding and regulatory hurdles, he became a major employer and advocate for marginalised groups. Through his initiatives, Mohammed fosters a sense of belonging, helping refugees and migrants overcome barriers.

Maryanne Mullahy, Regional Partnerships Manager – Geelong, Spirit Super (left) & Winner Mohammed Alebrahimi (right)

 

IKON Services Environmental Sustainability Award

Abhishek Kansakar of Southbank has a passion for driving meaningful change in his community and beyond. Recognised as the 2023 Victorian International Alumnus of the Year, Abhishek founded Electrify Infinite to streamline electric vehicle (EV) charging. His SaaS platform simplifies the charging process, making EV adoption more accessible and contributing to sustainable transportation. Abhishek's efforts include over 1,000 survey responses from EV owners, providing valuable insights for his platform's development. He's also involved with Kraft Mandala, an ethical e-commerce venture supporting South Asian artisans. Honoured with the StartSpace Future Founders Venture Scholarship, Abhishek's dedication to creating a positive impact extends beyond his professional achievements.

Winner Abhishek Kansakar (left) & Nick Walker, Head of Executive Head of Environment, Social and Governance at IKON Services (right)

 

Josh's Rainbow Eggs Ethical Business Award

Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu of West Melbourne is driving a greener, ethical future for businesses and the planet. Manon founded Little Green Panda, a company reshaping the packaging industry with sustainable and innovative solutions. By transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly straws and packaging, Manon combines environmental responsibility with ethical practices. Her collaborations with Southeast Asian farmers and The Bridge Inc. highlight her commitment to empowering communities and promoting inclusivity. Despite pandemic-related challenges, Manon remains dedicated to refining operations and exploring local manufacturing in Australia. Little Green Panda's revolutionary products, such as home compostable straws and cutlery made from upcycled coffee grounds, have replaced millions of single-use plastics.

Winner Manon Beauchamp-Tardieu (represented by Julia Le) (left) & Josh Murray, Founder, Josh's Rainbow Eggs (right)

 

Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award

Rebecca Hope of Eaglemont strongly advocates for disability inclusion in workplaces. She has overcome barriers relating toautism and severe anxiety to thrive in Human Resources, completing a Certificate IV in Business while working inEmployment Programs at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. A dedicated student and employee, she consistently displayed initiative, winning the 2022 Apprenticeship Employment Network Inspiration Award and the 2023 Victorian Trainee of the Year Award. Now Program Coordinator at autism organisation Amaze, she supports Autistic people using her Human Resources skills and lived experience. Rebecca's achievements demonstrate strongresilience and commitment.

Sally Curtain, Chief Executive Officer, Kangan Institute (left) & Winner Rebecca Hope (right) 

 

National Protective Services Safety and Wellbeing in the Workplace Award

Ash Presser of Kalkallo transformed safety practices in surf parks and high-risk leisure industries. As Operations Manager at URBNSURF, he implemented innovative safety frameworks that set new industry standards. His contributions include award-winning initiatives, significant risk reduction, and improved safety systems for workers and visitors. Ash's expertise extends to founding Aquatic Risk Services and conducting impactful research. His leadership drives continuous improvement in safety and security. In addition, Ash's commitment to public safety is evident through his volunteer roles in community organisations. Through his work and research, Ash inspires a culture of safety and trust in the leisure industry, benefiting workers, visitors, and the community.

Rachaell Saunders, Chief Executive Officer, National Protective Services (left) & Winner Ash Presser (right)

 

Saward Dawson Community Service and Social Impact Award

Jayden & Mikyla Battey of Boroondara are aiming to create a society where everyone has a safe community and feels actively supported. Jayden and Mikyla actively support 28 men at risk of homelessness, living on-site to provide holistic care and advocacy with Servants Community Housing. Co-founding the social enterprise, For The Love of Good, they address mental wellbeing and employment barriers for social housing tenants. They also mentor young artists, volunteer with Christian Youth Camps and Guide Dogs Victoria, and advocate for social housing and mental health awareness in schools, local communities, and the media. Through their immersive approach solutions, they strive for lasting change.

Joshua Morse, Partner Business Advisory , Saward Dawson (left) & Winners Jayden & Mikyla Battey of Boroondara (center and right)

 

Strategic Alliance Network Career Achievement Award

Catriona Vi Nguyen-Robertson of West Footscray is an educator with a passion for making science accessible and inclusive. She fosters the next generation of scientists by inspiring audiences of all ages with engaging STEM shows and workshops as a presenter at Scienceworks. Catriona is known for her quirky teaching style at the University of Melbourne, where she teaches students to communicate science. Her efforts extend to writing for the media, speaking on radio and podcasts, and chairing the National Science Week Coordinating Committee. An advocate for diversity in STEM, she supports women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She is dedicated to sharing science across Victoria and beyond.

David Harris, Co-Founder and Board Member, Strategic Alliance Network (left) & Winner Catriona Vi Nguyen-Robertson (right) 

 

The Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award

The Victorian & Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB) – Advocates for improved cancer care for young people across Victoria and Tasmania. Located at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Parkville, and established in 2010, YCAB consists of 12 members aged 15-25. The Board provides advice to the government and health sector on youth-friendly hospital environments, educational resources, and policy changes. YCAB's initiatives include creating position statements on appropriate care and improving access to clinical trials. They also offer online educational materials and guide hospital design. Through peer support, they connect young patients and guide health professionals, making a positive impact on the larger community.

Nina Taylor MP, Representing the Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, The Minister for Youth (third from the left) & Winner The Victorian & Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Board

 

Yarn Strong Sista Indigenous Achievement Award

Marissa Williamson Pohlman of Flemington is a proud Aboriginal woman, a groundbreaking athlete, and a cultural advocate. As Australia's first female Indigenous Olympic boxer and winner of 2023 Australian Elite Boxing Championships, she challenges gender bias and shatters expectations. Marissa's work as Heritage Policy Officer champions Indigenous rights and promotes cultural representation. Overcoming personal and professional obstacles, she inspires Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams and embrace their heritage. Marissa's resilience and dedication shine through her historic wins, including the Arthur Tunstall Trophy. Her achievements foster a sense of pride and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on sports and society while amplifying Indigenous voices.

Bob Williams, Finance Manager, Yarn Strong Sista (left) & Winner Marissa Williamson Pohlman (right)