The Multicultural Youth Group (MYG) proudly celebrated the success of the second annual Multicultural Youth Awards, held at Parliament House – Queens Hall. The event brought together over 250 guests, including finalists, winners, community leaders, government officials, families, and friends, to honour the achievements of multicultural youth across Australia.
Award Winners:
· Entrepreneur of the Year: Annie Zhou
· Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award: Devika Chaudhary
· Inspirational Young Person of the Year: Zayd Safi
· Volunteer of the Year: Marina Abe
· Academic Excellence Award: Mehwish Ateeq
· Sportsperson of the Year: Yasmin Haddara
· Implementing Aboriginal Self-Determination Award: Saige Bell
· Young Apprentice/Vocational Award: Zahra Ebrahimi
· Young Woman of the Year: Shiao Lu Ooi
· Young Leader of the Year: Jad Saeed
· Young Influencer of the Year: Hadeel Alshuraymi
· Creative and Performing Arts Award: Fiston Baraka
· Australian Youth Minister’s Award: Zayd Safi
Personally selected by Federal Youth Minister Senator Jess Walsh, the Australian Youth Minister’s Award was presented to Zayd Safi – a youth advocate and mentor whose journey has been anything but easy. After facing incarceration in 2023, Zayd has transformed his life through community leadership and advocacy. His powerful acceptance speech left a lasting impression: “In 2023, I was incarcerated. In 2025, I just won an award in parliament.
Quotes:
Hon. Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria:
“Victorians are proud of our diversity, because we know it is our strength. And we are proud to celebrate the exceptional work of young multicultural Victorians who help to make our state a better and fairer place. From entrepreneurship and academia, to sports and the arts – every nominee has made a profound difference to our community and our state. On behalf of all Victorians, thank you so much for all your hard work. Thank you, too, to the organisers of this fantastic event.”
Hon. Natalie Suleyman, Minister for Youth:
“Multicultural young Victorians give so much to the rich cultural fabric of our State. Diverse young people are showing up and getting involved in their local communities, as the next generation of leaders. The Multicultural Youth Awards provide a space to recognise and celebrate their significant contributions to the Victorian community, and beyond.”
Yusuf Liban, Multicultural Youth Group Director:
“These young leaders are not waiting for permission, they’re creating change now. The MYA is about amplifying their voices and recognising the impact they’re already making in their communities.”
The Multicultural Youth Group extends its gratitude to the following partners and sponsors for making this
event possible:
· Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
· Centre for Multicultural Youth
· Cultura
· Victorian Government
· TAFE Victoria