Outstanding Young Leaders Recognised at Youth Achievement Awards
Published on 01 July 2025
A new generation of community leaders, changemakers, and rising stars were celebrated last week at the annual Fairfield City Mayor’s Youth Achievement Awards.
Proudly hosted by Fairfield City Council, the awards recognise young individuals and groups who have excelled in the sports, arts, business, humanitarian, and community activism arenas.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said it was exciting to hear how the City’s young people were inspiring community pride, and strengthening community life in Fairfield City.
“It brings us great pleasure each year to recognise local young people making a difference through their demonstration of leadership, passion, commitment and perseverance,” Mayor Carbone said.
"Our young people are tomorrow's leaders and innovators. It’s important we shine the light on their achievements to encourage them and show them that we are behind them.
“Council is proud to provide a platform where young people are not only recognised but empowered to continue making a difference.”
Attended by families, educators, and peers, the awards reflect Council’s commitment to fostering youth development, civic pride, and community engagement.
The winners for each award category are as follows:
First Nations Youth Award – Kobi Ratcliffe
As a proud Wiradjuri man, Kobi has played a vital role in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage within his school community. He was a core part of leading the Yarning Circle project – overseeing its planning, planting, design, and aesthetics. Through this project, he deepened his understanding of plant culture and traditional knowledge, which he generously shared with others in his class.
Volunteer Award – Layla Obeid
Layla is an incredible person who puts others first and loves helping in a volunteer capacity. Her interest in art and her creative abilities allow her great scope in sharing her talent for drawing and providing visual learning aids to children with additional needs and children on the spectrum. Layla is passionate about teaching special needs children at their pace in a comfortable and supportive way.
New Beginnings Award – Hussein Al-Farhood
Since arriving in Australia, Hussein has consistently shown a strong commitment to his studies, striving for academic excellence in every subject. His disciplined approach and eagerness to learn not only reflect his personal determination but also highlight the values of perseverance and resilience. Through his achievements and respectful attitude, he serves as a proud ambassador of his Iraqi heritage, inspiring both his peers and teachers alike.
Cultural Connections Award – Jacinta Tan
Jacinta is a powerful advocate for the preservation and sharing of her Khmer culture. She has performed traditional Khmer classic and folk dances for many community events during Cambodian New Year, Refugee Week, Harmony Day, and at various multicultural festivals such as the Cabramatta Moon Festival. More recently, she was part of a theatre performance marking the 50th anniversary of Cambodia’s ‘Day of Remembrance’. Her dedication continues to inspire pride and connection within her community.
Outstanding Youth Group Award – Bonnyrigg Youth Collective
The Bonnyrigg Youth Collective has helped break down stigma around social housing in the Bonnyrigg community for the last 10 years. The group volunteers at community events, supports St George Community Housing, hosts Clean Up Australia Day events in the area, and facilitates free Youth Week events and school holiday activities. Its annual recruitment drive encourages young people to join and make a positive impact within their community.
Sports Impact Award – Siennah Pukeroa
Siennah holds an impressive 10 national powerlifting records across two age divisions, and is preparing to compete on an international level representing Australia. Beyond her impressive powerlifting accomplishments, Siennah mentors younger athletes and co-competitors, offering guidance and support to help them develop their skills and confidence. Siennah's ability to balance competitive success with helping others makes her a true role model within the sporting community.
Leadership Award – Alicia Pan
Alicia combines intellect, compassion, and initiative to drive change within her school and her community. She is a member of the Fowler Youth Advisory Committee, has co-led the organisation and presentation of the ‘Careers Connects’ initiative, and was nominated to the NSW Department of Education’s Skills and Pathways Youth Advisory Committee in 2024. In 2025, Alicia was also nominated to join the Australian School of Entrepreneurship’s Sydney Young Social Entrepreneur Sprint, where she co-developed Clarity Co, a practical and scalable workshop model tailored to senior students across Fairfield and Liverpool.
Creative Arts Award – Selina Ha
Selina took out the Creative Arts Award for her impressive contributions to dance and drama. She has been involved in various eisteddfods, drama ensembles, theatre performances, theatresports competitions, and a school spectacular. Beyond performing, Selina has also participated in the Tournament of Minds – lending skills in backdrop and prop creation, script writing, improvisation, and performance.
Phoenix Award – Lisa Au
Lisa never let her rare genetic disorder ‘Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome’ get in the way of achieving academic excellence. Despite the challenges and emotional struggles that have come her way as a result of the condition, her resilience, dedication, and hard work have seen her place in all her top subjects, and complete an accelerated course in mathematics. Throughout Lisa’s inspiring but tough journey, she has learnt to pick herself up after painful surgeries, after falling behind from missed school days, after missing out on so much, and persevere much like the phoenix rising from the ashes.