Meet the young stars recognised at Fairfield Mayor’s Youth Achievement Awards 2023

A skilled candle marker, champion powerlifter representing Australia and an inspirational poet have been recognised for their passion, dedication and leadership in the Fairfield community. Meet the young stars.

The 2023 Fairfield City Mayor’s Youth Achievement Awards held on June 16 at the council chambers

A skilled candle marker, champion Australian powerlifter and an inspirational poet are among the high achieving youth of Fairfield.

The individuals were celebrated at the recent Fairfield Mayor’s Youth Achievement Awards, recognising young people aged between 12-24 years old who have excelled in sports, arts, business, humanitarian and activism in the community.

Fairfield mayor Frank Carbone said it was important to “shine the light on their achievements to encourage them and show them that we are behind them”.

“It brings us great pleasure each year to recognise local young people making a difference through their demonstration of leadership, passion, commitment and enthusiasm,” he said.

“By volunteering and leading significant projects in our community, young people are not only making a positive contribution, they are building essential skills and attributes for life.

The award winners are:

Izack Carter – First Nations Youth Award

First Nations Award recipient, Izack Carter (second from right).

Izack shares his Aboriginal culture with the community through initiatives through his school and beyond. His most recent project was developing a yarn circle with his peers and he has future plans to create murals to ensure the Aboriginal culture is represented in community events.

Sapphire Truong – Creating Change Award

Creating change award recipient Sapphire Truong (centre)

Sapphire was recognised for leading several fundraising efforts both at school and in the wider community to raise awareness about mental health.

All funds raised will be going towards early intervention, reducing stigma and encouraging young people to seek help for mental health issues.

Dylan Tran – Sports Impact Award

Sports Impact Award recipient Dylan Tran (centre).

Dylan is a role model and leader in weightlifting after winning the honour to represent Australia at the junior powerlifting championships held in Romania this year.

He has not only represented his school at athletics carnivals but has coached and mentored his fellow peers.

George Alkhoury – Start-Up Talent Award

Start-Up Talent Award recipient George Alkhoury (centre).

George started a candle making business called ‘Flames of Love’ and specialises in quality, handcrafted candles using the best ingredients. He recently added custom creations to his product catalogue and his extensive collection embodies his attention to detail and passion for art.

Marwa Moeen – New Beginnings Award

In the short seven months she has been in Australia, Marwa has developed strong English speaking skills. She was awarded a scholarship at the University of Technology, Sydney and is a member of the Inner West Multicultural Network. She juggles all her extra-curricular activities while supporting her family and other newly arrived families settling into the area.

Tammy Dang – Creative Arts Award

Creative Arts Award recipient Tammy Dang (centre) receiving the award.

Not only can Tammy act, but she can write, direct, make films, create animation, dance and even design costumes. She was awarded the 2022 PYT Fairfield Micro Commission and is currently working on a musical theatre work inspired by her Vietnamese Teo Chew culture.

Daniel Tuuaga – Leadership Award

Daniel Tuuaga (not pictured) was the recipient of the Leadership Award.

Daniel prides himself on being a school leader and for his participation in the ‘Fades and Braids’ onsite barber shop program helping build student’s skills. He was also selected as a youth advocate for mentoring young people for the NRL.

Cambodian Living Arts and Culture Youth Dance Troupe – Outstanding Youth Group

This special group shares Khmer culture through traditional Cambodian dance at events and festivals across the community. The group prides itself on preserving the dance and are role models for the Khmer youth.

Mallak Farhan – Phoenix Award

Phoenix Award recipient Mallak Farhan.

Mallak is passionate about the arts but also juggles her time supporting young people from refugee backgrounds. She has also performed at the national poetry SLAM and is a skilled musician and poet.