Ballarat Australia Day Community Awards

Leah founded Hand in Hand Ballarat, raising over $400,000 to fund the Open Parachute program in nine local schools and creating large-scale events like the annual Black Tie Gala and mental health breakfasts. She also forged partnerships with The Sebastian Foundation and Open Parachute Australia and dedicates countless volunteer hours to managing communications, partnerships, and school engagement.

Heidi is a passionate disability advocate and community leader who has transformed personal adversity into a lifelong mission for inclusion. Legally blind since 2010, Heidi dedicates her time and expertise to improving accessibility across Ballarat through her work on the City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee, the Social Inclusion Action Group, and numerous project and planning committees. Her achievements include advocating for and launching the Lucas bus network, designing Ballarat’s first assistance animal relieving station, and leading a pilot program introducing visual descriptions for the Ballarat Foto Biennale.

As Chair of the SJD Foundation Ballarat, Brayden has continued his late father’s legacy by growing the foundation’s reach and impact through fundraising events, supporting mental health programs, and building partnerships with schools, businesses, and sporting clubs. He uses his own life experiences to advocate for youth wellbeing, while continuing to give back through his professional role with Buxton Ballarat and community leadership.

Maureen founded the LOUD Fence movement in 2015 during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, transforming ribbons tied to a school fence into an international symbol of hope and solidarity for survivors. Beyond LOUD Fence, she has dedicated decades to early childhood education, intergenerational playgroups, and family support programs, creating safe spaces and fostering connection across the Ballarat community.

Jeff is a dedicated environmental advocate whose leadership has transformed Ballarat’s natural spaces and fostered strong community connections. As a founding member of Friends of Canadian Corridor, he was instrumental in creating Woowookarung Regional Park and driving initiatives like the Grasstree Nature Trail, Dementia-Friendly Walk, and the Koala Forum, inspiring countless others through his vision and collaboration.

Christine is a passionate advocate for disability rights, health equity, and inclusive arts whose leadership has driven improvements in accessibility across Ballarat. As an Equality Advocate with Women’s Health Grampians and founder of the Ballarat Art Collective, she champions lived experience education and creative initiatives that combat social isolation, empower neurodivergent and disabled adults, and inspire a more inclusive community.

James turned his personal experience with cancer into a powerful community movement, founding Jimmy’s Licorice Allsorts — a cycling team that has raised $303,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Under James’s leadership, the team has completed five consecutive Murray to Moyne Cycling Relays, riding over 18,639 kilometres and involving 34 riders alongside countless volunteers and supporters.

Paige has volunteered for years at Sovereign Hill and now contributes at an equine centre, caring for horses and maintaining facilities. At school, she creates thoughtful gifts for classmates, assists staff, and encourages peers to try new hobbies, including joining her karate dojo.

Evie wrote, produced, and released a song and music video about domestic violence, launched a petition against inhumane animal slaughter, and organised a domestic violence awareness fundraiser with Youth Services Ballarat and WRISC. She also released her debut album Romanticise, performs at local venues, and earned the Young Creative Award at the 2025 City of Ballarat Youth Awards.

As School Captain of Phoenix College, Elsie helped design an Indigenous-themed sports uniform, co-produced a Welcome to Country video, and contributed to creating an Indigenous Garden on campus. She has also spoken at ANZAC Day ceremonies, plays elite-level football with the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels, and earned the Positive Leader Award at the 2025 City of Ballarat Youth Awards.

At just 19, Jade coaches four Ballarat Swans Red teams, mentors younger players, and runs clinics for primary-aged children. She manages the club’s photography and social media and has completed multiple coaching courses, including disability inclusion training.

Charlie founded Damascus College’s first Pride Club fundraiser for IDAHOBIT Day, working with school leadership to organise a whole-school event that raised funds for Minus18 and promoted LGBTQIA+ visibility. In recognition of these efforts, Charlie received the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2025 City of Ballarat Youth Awards.

At just 15, Gemma published a book to empower young people and break down stigma around mental health. She volunteers as a basketball coach, serves on the Wildcats Girls Committee, and has joined the CFA as a firefighter, showing her commitment to community wellbeing and safety. She has earned many titles such as 2024 Ballarat Youth of the Year.

Jackson advocates for youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, speaking at major events like the AFL Luncheon and Commerce Ballarat BizNet Breakfast to raise awareness and funds. He volunteers at multiple community events, while balancing three part-time jobs, an internship, and family caring responsibilities. His efforts earned him the Personal Growth Award at the 2025 City of Ballarat Youth Awards, reflecting his journey from overcoming leukemia to becoming a strong voice for community leadership.

At just 15, Maddi promotes youth mental health through the Live4Life Crew and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Leadership Program, including designing and distributing mental health care packs at an AFLW game. Her dedication to volunteering—even in severe weather—shows her commitment to breaking stigma and supporting young people in the Ballarat community.

Casey works as a lifeguard and swim instructor, supporting children with disabilities to build confidence in the water, and is sought after by families for her inclusive approach. She completed Year 12 independently, was nominated for an Apprentice Training Award for Disability Achievement and uses her lived experience to empower others as a role model in the community.

Marley volunteers weekly at Sovereign Hill using Auslan to support accessibility, assists BADAC women’s groups, and visits children’s hospitals during Easter and Christmas to bring joy to families. She also organised Dolly’s Day at school to raise awareness of youth mental health and champions cultural pride and inclusion while balancing personal health challenges.

Brendan helped lead mental health and wellbeing initiatives at St Patrick’s College, including the Blue Tree Project and Break the Cycle event, which raised over $5,000 for the Raven Collective. He also won the Purton Oratory public speaking competition with a powerful address on mental health, volunteers as a firefighter with the Daylesford Fire Brigade, and represented his school on the 2024 Football Tour of Ireland.

Isaac has dedicated countless hours to volunteering, including at St Vinnies op shop, Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, and serving in the canteen at Redan Football Club. He also supports major events like Harmony Fest and Seniors Month. Despite challenges with autism and a mild intellectual disability, he earned his driver’s license, secured employment at Gekko Systems, and received the Youth Volunteer Award at the 2025 City of Ballarat Youth Awards.

Gabriela delivered a powerful address to 40,000 people during the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round through the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and helped launch the Foundation’s Ballarat office. She also supports her community through BADAC initiatives that promote wellbeing and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, inspiring young people to speak with confidence and celebrate their culture.

Tanika is a passionate environmental advocate and community leader whose volunteer work spans numerous grassroots initiatives across Ballarat. A founding member of the Ballarat Degrowth Network, she also organises the Thursday Twilight Talks at Barkly Square and contributes her time and skills to the Ballarat Whole Foods Collective. Tanika has supported a range of community driven sustainability projects, including Friends of Specimen Vale, Urban Ripple, and the Community Orchard. She completed a permaculture design course to strengthen her ability to contribute meaningfully to these initiatives.

Her primary focus now is the development of the Degrowth Ballarat Hub, particularly its emerging cohousing initiative. Tanika is also involved with B Town Eatery, a new local business that reflects her values of community care, food security, and environmental sustainability. She has already introduced practical improvements to their waste management by donating plastic recycling bags and FOGO bags from her own home, and hopes to help more local businesses adopt better sustainability practices. Previously, Tanika was the Team Leader of the Soil Health Group with Food is Free, supported the monthly Crop Swap market, and tutored at the Ballarat School of Philosophy.

Despite living with two disabilities and overcoming a serious accident, Tanika continues to lead with resilience and creativity—catching buses, using mobility aids, and adapting her passions to stay involved. Her dedication to sustainability, inclusion, and community engagement makes her an inspiring role model and a driving force for positive change in Ballarat.

Elijah volunteers with Youth Ambassadors, Young Eventsters, and Sonika, helping plan and deliver inclusive events such as Harmony Week celebrations, Tree Planting Day, and the Youth Awards, where he co-hosted in front of 450 attendees. He also contributed to initiatives like the “Gotta Catch Them All” bus campaign and supported events including the Youth Pride Ball and PopCon, fostering connection across generations and cultures.

Enshi has volunteered for over three years at the Ballarat Chinese Library, participated in cultural events, and served as an English MC, using his bilingual skills to foster inclusion and cultural understanding. In 2025, he became Ballarat’s first police officer of Chinese descent in over 20 years, earned the Major Award (18–25 Years) at the Youth Awards, and continues to inspire young people from multicultural backgrounds to pursue leadership roles.

At 18, Delaney completed the “21 Twenty Ones” challenge, running 21 half marathons in 21 consecutive days around Lake Wendouree, raising over $210,000 for Ballarat Men’s Mental Health. Her campaign sparked widespread community support and highlighted the urgent need for mental health awareness, inspiring plans to continue her advocacy through the London Marathon.

A sell-out event at Victoria Park that brought 202 athletes and 37 volunteers together for the State Duathlon Championships and Race 1 of the Triathlon Victoria Regional Series. The event showcased inclusivity with competitors aged between 10-80, with 44% female participation, and 14 para-athletes participating.

The 2025 Gala brought together over 370 guests and volunteers, raising $70,000 to fund the Open Parachute youth mental health program in regional schools.

Since early 2024, Grill'd Ballarat has hosted monthly City Support nights, providing free meals to those in need. Over 20 months, 3,000 meals were served thanks to the franchisees and support from local agencies. The initiative has created a dignified, social experience for vulnerable community members.