Youth Recognition Awards 2026
Annually the Onkaparinga Youth Committee assist in delivering the Youth Recognition Awards - where young people aged 8 to 25 are recognised, celebrated and honoured for their outstanding actions in improving their communities, self and securing their futures.
Download the 2026 Awards program(PDF, 4MB)
Categories
- Learning Success: A category for young people who have achieved significant academic success whether it be ‘getting the grade’, mentoring other young people to do so or showcased excellence in learning new skills.
- Personal Achievement: This category shines a light on those who have overcome adversity and shown resilience through personal hardship to overcome the many challenges life can throw at young people.
- Contribution to Community: An award that acknowledges the young people who give extra time back to community groups, schools and other programs that benefit the people of Onkaparinga.
- Business, Employment & Social Enterprise: An award to recognise young people who have turned their ideas into business and social enterprise as well as acknowledging those young people who have worked hard to secure employment. This one is for the hard workers, innovative thinkers and change makers!
- Neporendi Deadly Achievers Award: In collaboration with Neporendi Forum Inc. This award celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person 8 to 25yrs living in the City of Onkaparinga who is making an impact through their contribution to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Culture, Community, or Country. This deadly achiever uplifts their community and is recognised for keeping culture strong and inspired.
- Onkaparinga Youth Worker of the Year: To be eligible for this award the nominated person can be of any age but must work with young people from the Onkaparinga area. Workers include but are not limited to: Police, Child Protection, Health, Education, Youth Work and Youth Services including those working with young people in the sports and recreation and arts and cultural sector. You do not have to be a ‘youth worker’ per say to be nominated in this category!
2026 Award winners
Please see some information on your 2026 Youth Recognition Award winners below:
Neporendi Deadly Achiever award
Winner of the Neporendi Deadly Achiever award Keahnee Clark is passionate about music and dedicated to positive community events that celebrate her culture. She has completed event management training with Onkaparinga Youth. Despite experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, Keahnee remains kind, resilient and continues to uplift others, often mentoring young people.
Highly commended in the category, Jeremy Last is a proud Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara man living on Kaurna Country. He has a background in reconciliation, mentoring young people and environmental initiatives. He is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contributes to Canteen’s Young Adult Reconciliation Network.
Business, Employment and Social Enterprise award
Custom Lego designer Micah Sarre won the Business, Employment and Social Enterprise award. He has built a growing creative business re-creating iconic locations such as the Adelaide Central Market, Beehive Corner and the Coopers Brewery. He’s secured commissions from state and national clients.
Thirteen-year-old Josh Marshall, highly commended in the category, is an aspiring entrepreneur who specialises in creative 360 filmmaking and cinematic drone footage. Josh has completed an advanced drone videography course and has already secured paid work, while contributing to community initiatives.
Contribution to Community award
Austin Taylor won the Contribution to Community award. Austin raised $1,581.25 at Woodcroft College for cancer research through a Pink Day Cake Stall fundraiser. He raised an additional $2,288.46 by swimming 11km in his own time to raise more money for the cause. Austin has taken on leadership roles at the school.
Jack Sadler was highly commended in the category. A passionate advocate for making skateboarding accessible to young people in the region, Jack is now the head coach at skate clinics in Aldinga and Christies Beach funded by the City of Onkaparinga and the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation.
Learning Success award
Lia Tiet won the Learning Success award. As an international student at Reynella East College, in Year 12 she achieved an ATAR of 98 and a merit in English as an Additional Language. Despite being separated from her family, she maintained a strong work ethic and supported her peers, creating study resources for future EAL students.
As dux of Year 12 in Prescott College Southern with an ATAR score of 99.95, Veronica Girgis was highly commended in the category. During her studies, Veronica supported her father with his medical health needs and helped care for her family while her grandmother was in intensive care.
Personal Achievement award
Niko Glaubitz won the Personal Achievement award. As a transgender man living with cerebral palsy, Nicko has recently completed 2 cyber security courses and a Certificate III in Information Technology (Cyber Focus). He completed work experience with the SA Department of Treasury while completing his Stage 2 SACE requirements. He is on track to finish SACE in 2026.
Louise Whicker, a young carer for her father and sister, was highly commended in the category. She supports her family in day-to-day life while completing her Year 12 studies. Louise contributes to her community as a volunteer firefighter and has completed a Certificate III in Early Education and Childcare.
Youth Worker of the Year award
Tarelle Sjoberg took out the Youth Worker of the Year award. For 27 years, Tarelle has supported young people in crisis across the City of Onkaparinga through her work in child protection and education. Using a trauma-informed approach, she leads with compassion and builds strong community connections. She supports young people through programs such as Operation Flinders.
Josh Smith was highly commended in the category. The driving force behind Free Mind Skate School, Josh uses skateboarding to empower countless young people to overcome challenges and develop new skills. In 2025, Josh facilitated more than 150 free skate clinics and more than 1,200 private mentoring sessions.
Special mentions
Two other outstanding nominees received special recognition on the night as they were both nominated 7 times each: Gunveer Singh-Bala as a dedicated youth leader and community advocate and Coopa Collard as a volunteer and youth mentor.
Onkaparinga Youth Committee (OYC)
The OYC is the organising body for the Youth Recognition Awards and consists of young people aged 12-25 years who are passionate about playing an active role in their community. The awards were developed by the OYC as a way of celebrating the valuable contributions young people make to our community.
For more information about the OYC.
If you would like to be a part of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee you can keep an eye on our website for when applications are open.
If you would like more information about the Youth Recognition Awards or the OYC please contact Jolyn Phillipps, Community Development Youth Coordinator at youth@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au