2025 Youth Awards winners announced
Published on 03 September 2025
Acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of young people is vital, as they play a key role in fostering connection, belonging, and inspiration within our community. Young people bring creativity, energy, and leadership that enrich community life and motivate their peers to get involved and make a difference.
The 2025 Kingston Youth Awards provided the perfect opportunity to recognize these efforts. This year’s nominees showcased a diverse range of achievements - from volunteering and advocacy to creative projects and community initiatives - each demonstrating remarkable commitment and positive impact. Their dedication highlights the strength, resilience, and potential of Kingston’s youth, reminding us of how valuable young people are in shaping a connected and thriving community.
Young Citizen of the Year
Mikail Liakos is an extraordinary young person whose courage, resilience and drive to uplift others make him a standout winner for Young Citizen of the Year. Living with vision impairment, he consistently defies limitations – demonstrating leadership, advocacy and personal growth well beyond his years.
Mikail has become a public advocate for inclusion and accessibility, openly sharing his lived experience through national media outlets to break down stigma and build empathy. His community fundraising work has raised thousands of dollars for causes close to his heart, including the Royal Children’s Hospital.
At school, Mikail is known for his strong work ethic and inclusive mindset, actively participating in academic and extracurricular life, and serving as a powerful role model for others, particularly students with disabilities.
Young Community Group of the Year
The Mordialloc Life Saving Club Youth Committee is a shining example of what empowered, purposeful young people can achieve in a short amount of time. Since its formation in December, the committee has become a driving force for youth inclusion, leadership, and engagement within the club and broader community.
Their successful delivery of the 2024 Club Presentation Night, coordination of upcoming fundraising efforts, and development of targeted youth events demonstrate a remarkable level of initiative and strategic thinking.
The committee has also introduced a working group model across Nippers, Competition and Patrol to provide peer mentoring and create clearer development pathways. Notably, they are actively working to create a more inclusive and gender-equitable club environment by encouraging more young women to take up leadership roles in areas such as IRB operations and patrol captaincy.
Nominees
Alexander Morina
Alexander (Xander) is an exceptional young lifesaver whose rapid rise, dedication and leadership within the lifesaving community make him a powerful role model for his peers.
Xander’s leadership journey has seen him represent youth at both club and state levels, including his role as Aspendale Junior Club Representative and member of the LSV Youth Advisory Committee. He actively mentors younger members, volunteers for Nipper programs, and is developing a Youth Advisory Committee at his club to enhance junior engagement.
His achievements were recognized with the prestigious Mike Martin Champion Junior Lifesaver Award – highlighting his outstanding contribution to lifesaving and the broader community.
Kiaan Shah
Kiaan is an exceptional young leader whose passion for cyber security, digital safety, and community involvement is far beyond his years. His contributions are helping shape a safer, smarter, and more connected community.
Kiaan founded a student cyber group at his school to educate peers about online safety and digital responsibility. As the school’s youngest Tech Leader and long-standing Class Captain, he mentors others, leads initiatives, and champions student voice in every setting he’s part of.
Samuel Kerans
Samuel is a dedicated young volunteer whose passion for community and sport shines through his ongoing commitment to the Chelsea Football Club. As both a junior committee member and a coach of the Under 7s team, Sam gives his time generously and consistently, balancing multiple responsibilities with maturity and enthusiasm.
Whether he's helping run events like the Chelsea Cup or leading weekly training sessions with young players, Sam brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic that inspires others around him. His dedication has already encouraged other young people at the club to explore volunteering roles.
Kai Lynch
Kai has quickly become a valued and inspiring member of the Edithvale Life Saving Club by showing exceptional commitment, maturity and a deep sense of community spirit. Known for his positive attitude and willingness to help with any task, Kai consistently goes above and beyond to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of beachgoers and fellow club members.
His presence is felt both in action and attitude; he’s a quiet leader whose dedication and initiative speak volumes. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, mentoring younger members or offering creative ideas for club programs, Kai continues to make a lasting impact.
Matilda Caughey
Matilda is an exceptional young leader whose impact spans leadership, academic excellence, performing arts and community service. As College Vice-Captain at Parkdale Secondary College, Matilda is admired for her authenticity, dedication, and ability to uplift those around her.
Matilda has made significant contributions to school life through her leadership roles, public speaking, peer mentoring, and advocacy. Outside of school, she dedicates her time to coaching netball, volunteering as a dance teacher, supporting local community events, and mentoring children through Somers Camp.
Saanvi Singal
Saanvi dedicated nearly a year of her weekends to supporting a family friend recovering from a serious accident. Saanvi’s natural empathy and genuine care turned hospital visits into moments of happiness and healing, earning her heartfelt praise from the adults around her.
Through her consistent support, Saanvi reminded everyone that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. Her kindness touched not just the person she cared for but also inspired those around her to reflect on what it means to be truly present for others.
Angus Liddell
Angus is a passionate and dedicated young leader whose contributions to lifesaving, youth development, and community service have had a significant impact at both local and state levels. As a committed volunteer at Mentone Life Saving Club, Angus completes patrol hours, supports other beaches, coaches younger members, and mentors Nippers with energy and care.
Beyond the beach, Angus plays an active role in shaping the future of youth lifesaving through his involvement on the Mentone Life Saving Club Junior Committee and the Life Saving Victoria Junior Committee.
Sonny Rennison
Sonny's resilience, determination, and joy have made a profound impact on both the local and international tennis communities. Diagnosed with a rare bone condition at a young age, Sonny refused to let his disability stop him from pursuing his passion for tennis.
Off the court, Sonny has helped change the future of the sport for others too. He co-led the global Mastercard campaign for inclusive ball kid programs at Grand Slams, helping design adaptive equipment and pushing for kids who use wheelchairs to take part.
Jax Mullins
Jax is a courageous and socially minded young person who has emerged as a powerful advocate for men’s mental health within his school and wider community. Using his personal TikTok platform, Jax dedicated Men’s Mental Health Month (June) to raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviours among young men.
Jax’s actions are helping to shift attitudes around masculinity and mental health. By speaking up, he’s inspiring others to do the same, contributing to a safer, more supportive school culture.