The Geelong community celebrated the achievements and contributions of the city’s young people this weekend at the 2025 Geelong Youth Awards.
Held at Norlane ARC on Friday, September 8, the awards ceremony recognised winners aged 12 to 25 in nine categories and two special award recipients.
Since coming to Australia from Afghanistan as a refugee in 2015, 18-year-old Rezai Rehman has committed to making an impact for refugees and his community.
Rezai received the Citizenship Award for his advocacy and volunteering efforts, mentoring peers and leading campaigns to support those who need it most.
Mackenzie Sinclair, 20, received the Leadership Award for her efforts in the creation of Geelong’s new youth hub The Nest, in addition to co-chairing a young advisory board for a cancer screening clinic and volunteering at a local hospital.
Young swimmer James Logan won the Active Achievement Award in recognition of his selection to the Australian Deaflympics team for this year’s games in Tokyo. A national record holder and international medallist, James also volunteers for his club and mentors young athletes.
Radio host and podcaster Liam Hair, 23, won the inaugural Judges’ Award for his leading the public conversation around neurodiversity, while 12-year-old Alexander Scott received the Recognition Award for his initiative Shoot for Kindness, Block Out Bullying.
Other winners included James Herbert (Arts & Music), Ruhaniat Parri Kaur (Cultural Awareness), Alexander Serra and Ethan Vines (Innovation), Jesse Moore (Inspiration), Nick Riordan (Unsung Hero) and Xavier Cunningham (Volunteer).
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the awards was an event that brought together community members of all ages and backgrounds.
“The future is looking bright thanks to this next generation of young leaders who are making positive change in the Geelong region,” he said.
“A big congratulations to our well-deserving award winners James, James, Rezai, Ruhaniat, Alexander, Ethan, Jesse, Mackenzie, Nick, Xavier, Liam and Alexander – we thank you for the incredible contributions you have made and continue to make to our community.
“We also recognise the dozens of young people who were nominated for awards for going above and beyond in their service.”
