Mayor’s Message - Friday 18 August 2023

Ballarat has some extraordinary young people, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate them last week.  

The individual contributions of 95 young people were recognised across 10 categories.

From the calibre of young people nominated for the youth awards, it’s clear our community’s future is bright

The top accolade went to Keeley Johnson, who won the major award for 18–25-year-olds. She runs the charity Keeley’s Cause that provides assistance to children and families with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities from low socio-economic households. She has raised more than $270,000 and provided 350 iPads to families who need them.  

Keeley is doing some incredible work in helping with positive outcomes in education and employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.  

Jasmine Goon took out the top prize for ages 12-17 years, she has created artwork depicting neurodivergence through a positive lens, titles “And who shaped you?”. Jasmine has also won the Young Archibald Prize, from a tough field of more than 2400 entries. Jasmine is an advocate for individual rights and inclusiveness.  

Congratulations to all the winners!  

• Compassion and Care Award – Keeley Johnson  
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award - Albert Mumba
• Group Project Award - Delacombe Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Group
• Influential Adult – Volunteer - Wendy England
• Influential Adult – Worker - Nikki Bell
• Leadership in Sport & Recreation Award - Mitchell Hardman
• Personal Growth Award – Delana Wright
• Positive Leader Award - Gabriel Gervasoni
• Young Creative Award - Jasmine Goon
• Youth Volunteer Award - Noah Quick

I’d like to acknowledge and thank every young person, both winners and nominees, for their contributions to our community.

- Mayor of Ballarat Cr Des Hudson