Winners were announced at the Central Coast Youth Week Awards night, Thursday 20 April 2023 to celebrate NSW Youth Week 20-30 April 2023. 

The nomination period was open from the 6 February and closed 31 March 2023.

The awards honour young people that have gone the extra mile for the Central Coast community and who are positive role models for other young people within the region.

Local community members, schools, and local services were encouraged to nominate a young person who they feel is worthy of this great honour.

The 2023 Central Coast Youth Week Award winners and finalists include:
Arts and Entertainment Award
Winner: Lucas Alexander Carter
Highly Commended: Brayden Macfarlane - Walker
Finalist: Matthew Trethewy

Social Impact in Education Award
Winner: Elizabeth Payne
Finalist: Emma Leigh Russell

Sportsperson of the Year Award
Winner: Talia Tebb
Highly Commended: Logan Radford
Finalist: Emily Lufe
Finalist: Wade Barr
Finalist: Jayden Morgan
Finalist: Hannah Stevenson
Finalist: Samuel Terry
Finalist: Alban Thornybrook
Finalist: Lilly Hofer

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Winner: Karla Jacob

Youth Leadership (Individual) of the Year Award
Winner: Charity Jean De Bruis
Highly Commended: Charli Grant
Finalist: Tayah Blackman
Finalist: Dylan Di Sciascio
Finalist: Annabelle King

Youth Leadership (Group) of the Year Award
Winner: The Y NSW StreetgYm Crew
Highly Commended: Jopuka
Finalist: Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club Under 14 Nipper Group
Finalist: Spark Collective

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Jamie Cairns
Highly Commended: Jenna smith
Finalist: James Haughain
Finalist: Madison Rose Wilson
Finalist: Tahlia Nott
Finalist: Ben McCulkin
Finalist: Siddhartha Bezwada
Finalist: Noah Ward
Finalist: Matilda Halliday

Nominator Awards 
Winners: The Y NSW, Jopuka, SPCC Young Parents College Central Coast

Central Coast Council Inspirational Award 
Winner: Siddhartha Bezwada

Environmental Award 
No nominations were received

Read more about the awards:

Arts and Entertainment Award

• An individual who has achieved / demonstrated excellence in their chosen art form.
• Someone who has made a significant contribution to the development of their chosen art form through innovative approaches and/or consistent effort.

Environmental Award

• An individual who is / has actively making the Central Coast a place where people and nature can thrive.
• Someone who has made a significant contribution to the environment and sustainability in local programs or events.

Social Impact in Education Award

• An individual who is / has actively making a social impact in their school or community through innovative approaches and/or consistent effort.
• Someone who has made a significant contribution to social activism.

Sportsperson of the Year Award

• An individual who has achieved and shown acts of sportsmanship and team building.
• Someone who has been an outstanding sportsperson, or who has made a significant contribution as a key organiser or promoter of the sports.

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• An individual who has demonstrated best practice in business.
• Someone who has incorporated innovative approaches to building their own business.

Youth Leadership (Individual) of the Year Award

• An individual who has made a significant contribution to their community or have taken a leading role in achieving better outcomes for young people.
• Someone who has achieved high levels in their chosen field and acts as an inspiration and role model to their peers.

Youth Leadership (Group) of the Year Award

• A group who has made a significant contribution to their community or have taken a leading role in achieving better outcomes for young people.
• A group who has achieved high levels in their chosen field and acts as an inspiration and role models to their peers.

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

• An individual volunteer who has made a significant contribution and commitment to volunteer work within the community.
• Someone who has demonstrated outstanding service, commitment, and dedication to our local community through their volunteer work (non-paid capacity).

Nominator Award

The Nominator Award allows schools or youth services to nominate at least one young person for the Central Coast Youth Week Awards. Three of the most outstanding nominators who apply for the Nominator Award will be awarded $1000 to implement a program or activity that provides positive benefits and outcomes for young people on the Central Coast.

• The school or service must nominate at least one young person for a Central Coast Youth Week Award.
• The school or service must be based within the Central Coast Local Government Area (LGA).
• Must report the Award’s benefit or outcome for young people within the LGA to Central Coast Council by 31 December 2023.
• Be willing to participate in marketing and promotion of any benefit or outcome for young people within the LGA with Central Coast Council, where appropriate.
   

Guidelines and Eligibility

View award nomination eligibility criteria