African leader who overcame adversity named Young Canberra Citizen of the Year

A young African-Australian leader has won the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year award. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi has had difficulties in her life but has used her experiences to be a role model for young people. Since emigrating from South Sudan in 2019, she has been an active member of the Canberra community.

She encourages celebrating African culture in Canberra and promotes social cohesion and engagement in the broader community. Minister for Children, Youth and Families Michael Pettersson said Ms Rabi had an unwavering spirit and resilience. "She has overcome significant adversity before making Australia her home, losing both her parents at a young age and moving to Australia aged 15 to live with her aunt," Mr Pettersson said.



"Her advocacy not only promotes inclusivity but also fosters a greater understanding of the diverse experiences and contributions of African-Australians. We are rightly proud to call her our own." Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi won the young Canberra citizen of the year award for 2024.

Picture by Matt Loxton Ms Rabi is the executive youth leader at the African Australian Council ACT. A number of other impressive young people were recognised across seven categories in the 2024 awards. Minister Pettersson said many the young people, aged between 12 and 25 years, had inspirational stories of dedication, commitment and resilience.

"I congratulate all those winners, finalists and those who received commendations, you are the future of our city, and we are already seeing your contributions make a real difference to our community," Mr Pettersson said. Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award Winner: Ms Vando Celestina Emmy Rabi Commendation: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga Young Achiever Award Winner: Mr Seth Burr Seth Burr is a Leadership group member at his school, a mentor for younger students and a member of ACT Scouts. He participates in ANZAC Day marches, Gang Shows, peer monitoring, school musicals and fundraising events.

Commendation: Ms Emma Booth Personal Achievement Award Winner: Miss Jasmine Eldridge Jasmine Eldridge, a single mother, has overcome many of her personal challenges. With a diploma in Educational Studies and her lived experience, she advocates for young people with disabilities. Commendation: Ms Jemma Rule Individual Community Service Award Winner: Mx Madison (Casey) Barancewicz Mx Barancewicz is actively involved in Youth Advocacy Groups, projects, such as the ACT Youth Advisory Council, Disability Youth Reference Group, Unruly Girls Youth Ethics Advisory Group, Member and The ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance, the Youth Mental Health Youth Reference Group (YRG).

Commendation: Miss Sonali Varma Environment and Sustainability Award Winner: Ms Anjali Sharma Ms Sharma is a climate activist who introduced a bill with Senator David Pocock, called the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill, to compel the federal government to take the health of young people into consideration when approving developments that may release greenhouse gases. Commendation: Ms Yuna Rougeaux Commendation: Ms Neve Larsen Arts and Multimedia Award Winner: Ms Tahalianna Mahanga Ms Mahanga, a proud young Wiradjuri and Tongan woman, performs as a solo vocalist and is a youth advocate, including the ACT Student Representative at the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group. She was involved with The Mindyigari Centre for Excellence at Erindale College and the Gugan-Gulwan Youth Association.

Commendation: Ms Grace Flanagan Group Achievement Award Winner: St Mary MacKillop College The year 12 cohort at St Mary MacKillop College designed the "Relay Your Way" event, a local community initiative that celebrates cancer survivorship, honours those we've lost, and spurs on the fight against cancer. They raised over $75,000 for the Relay for Life this year, the highest fundraising total for Relay for Life across Australia. Commendation : ACT Child and Youth Mental Health Sector Alliance Youth Reference Group Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Sarah Lansdown Canberra Times education reporter Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education.

Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.

[email protected] Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education.

Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.

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