Onkaparinga’s ‘amazing’ young people: youth award winners announced
Published on 09 April 2026
Winners for this year’s Youth Recognition Awards were announced on 8 April in a ceremony at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre.
The awards celebrate and recognise young people in Onkaparinga aged 8 to 25 for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.
Mayor Moira Were presented the awards to the winners and highly commended nominees in each of the six award categories.
‘We received an impressive 110 nominations with a total of 97 individuals being nominated, the highest number ever, which goes to show how amazing are the young people and youth professionals we have in Onkaparinga,’ said Mayor Were.
‘Each nominee’s story is one of talent, commitment, perseverance and personal resilience.
‘Nominees have achieved individual excellence. Through hard work and imagination, they have also had a positive impact on our community. We recognise, celebrate and thank each one of them.’
The awards, hosted by the Onkaparinga Youth Committee, are held each year during SA Youth Week, South Australia’s biggest celebration of young people aged 12–25 years.
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.