Our community is fortunate to have people who, through perseverance and resilience, inspire others. 

Lachlan Hobman and Elijah Rea, both winners in our 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards, are young men who through their own lived experiences have become mentors and advocates for others. 

After living in alternative care arrangements since he was 11 years old, Lachlan is now a youth advocate with the Create Foundation and supports other young people through the challenges of living out of home. He’s participated in speaking and advocacy events to share insights of what it’s like to be in the care system, and how it could be improved to better support children. 

A keen animal welfare advocate working towards becoming a Zoologist, Lachlan is also winner of the Inspiration Award in the 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards. 

Elijah Rea is a young ambassador for domestic violence awareness, sharing his personal story to educate people and support survivors, while conducting fundraising for vital services. He developed and delivered the Shaving 101 program at his high school to equip young men with essential life skills and personal grooming knowledge. 

Elijah contributes as a junior Director for Bendigo Bank and is also winner of the Social Impact in Education/Community Award in the 2025 Central Coast Youth Week Awards.

Our Central Coast Community Champions honour acknowledges people who, through effort and initiative, are making a difference to the lives of others. 

Lachlan and Elijah, you are both truly inspirational young people and very worthy community champions. We appreciate the valuable advocacy work you do and express our gratitude for your efforts. 

I enjoyed meeting Lachlan and Elijah and presenting them with their Central Coast Community Champion pins, and I look forward to hearing more about their achievements in the future. 

Mayor Lawrie McKinna