FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has today congratulated local resident Meridah Hunter who last night (SUBS: WED 16th) won the Youth Culture and Diversity category at this year’s 2015 National Youth Awards in Brisbane.
Mr Entsch said Meridah has a passion for bringing people together through co-operation and inclusion.
“Meridah created the Biddigal Performing Arts Group with her fellow performers, which has grown to be a prominent indigenous youth-based performing arts group, performing at major events across Australia,” Mr Entsch said.
“Her efforts have created cultural awareness, supported youth-at-risk and recorded elders’ stories, but more importantly she is actively promoting a shared sense of identity.
“Meridah approached her school to establish the school’s first ever National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration and she has been instrumental in organising visits by Indigenous artists, elders and performers to work with the school.
“It is great to see Meridah recognised with this prestigious award, made all the more special because award winners have been voted for – and recognised – by their peers.”
The National Youth Awards are hosted by the Australian Government and recognise the achievements and contributions of Australia’s young people. They are hosted during National Youth Week, held this year from 10-19 April.
There were six individual award categories – Youth Safety Award, Youth Courage Award, Youth Culture and Diversity Award, Youth Employment Award, Youth Health Award, and the Youth Leadership Award.
A seventh category, the Youth in Media Award, recognises the contribution made by Australian journalists and media organisations in positively portraying young people in the media.
Further information on the 2015 award winners can be found at www.youthweek.com.
