Where all young people are supported, engaged, valued, and have their rights realised
Youth Action is the peak organisation representing young people and youth services in NSW. Youth Action works towards a society where all young people in NSW are supported, engaged, valued, and have their rights realised. Their work helps build the capacity of young people, youth workers and youth services, and they advocate to see positive change on issues affecting these groups.
Since 2013, Youth Action has hosted the NSW Youth Work Awards, an annual celebration of the exceptional work of youth services and youth workers across NSW. We are very excited to announce that we have eight nominations for the 2026 NSW Youth Work Awards!
Proud to Share Our Eight NSW Youth Work Awards Nominations
Five individuals and three programs and partnerships from Marist180 have been nominated for the 2026 NSW Youth Work Awards, recognising the dedication, experience and positive contributions of our people across NSW and the ACT.
We’re incredibly proud to share these nominations, which reflect the many ways our people and programs support young people and families, build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for positive change.
The nominations span emerging youth workers, experienced practitioners and programs that strengthen cultural connections, belonging and community partnerships.
Our individual nominations:
• Yona Khudhir – NSW Youth Worker of the Year
With more than a decade of experience, Yona brings a thoughtful, therapeutic approach to supporting young people in our Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) program, helping them feel safe, connected and supported as they build their futures in Australia.
• Eliza Mitchell – Emerging Youth Worker
Based in Orange, Eliza brings warmth, creativity and genuine care to her work with young people in residential care. Her approach demonstrates how everyday interactions can build trust, confidence and a sense of belonging.
• Ralph Hampton – Emerging Youth Worker
Growing up in Western Sydney, Ralph now works alongside young people in the community that raised him. Through Daramu, he combines practical support with opportunities to strengthen cultural identity, confidence and connection to community.
• Sonia Carney – Youth Worker Hall of Fame
With more than 20 years of service, Sonia’s nomination recognises her longstanding commitment to young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. Her impact is reflected in the relationships she has built, including former young people who reconnect years later to share their gratitude.
• Karen Clinch – Youth Worker Hall of Fame
Karen’s nomination recognises 24 years of dedicated service and her longstanding contribution to supporting young people through Marist180.
Our program and partnership nominations:
METWELL (Marist Exchange Two Way Education Life Learning) – Outstanding Partnership
Recognising the value of collaboration in bringing our UHM young people together, with student volunteers from Parramatta Marist High and Marist College, Canberra, creating shared experiences, mutual learning, building relationships and belonging.
Daramu and Mudjin Byala – Outstanding Work with First Nations Young People
Recognising culturally responsive approaches that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to strengthen their connections to culture, identity and community.
Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) – Outstanding Work with Young People from CALD Backgrounds
Recognising the care and support provided to young people arriving in Australia without their parents or usual caregivers, helping them build connections, independence and a sense of belonging.
We are delighted to announce that our UHM program nomination has been shortlisted for this Award!
A little more about UHM
UHM are young people who have travelled to Australia under the Australian Federal Government’s humanitarian program through the Department of Home Affairs. These young people are without parents or guardians and are granted refuge in Australia, inclusive of primary and secondary schooling. Marist180 provides 24/7 support, taking on day-to-day parental responsibilities for these young people. The collaborative program takes a holistic approach to support each child by nurturing their culture, religion, and individual strength to enable them to integrate into the country and to develop important community relationships. Through strong community and government partnerships, we provide wraparound support networks the children and young people require to successfully and confidently transition from the program. This includes senior student volunteer support from 2 Marist Schools as part of the METWELL (Marist Exchange Two Way Education Life Learning) program, who, this year, have provided connection through homework/tutorial support, sport, cooking, projects, language/cultural knowledge and development, and, most importantly, the forging of new relationships/friendships.
These eight nominations represent more than individual achievements. They reflect the collective commitment of our people, the strength of our partnerships and the values that guide our work. We’re proud of our nominees and the many colleagues who work alongside them, contributing every day to creating hope and positive change in the lives of young people and families.
Youth Action hosts the NSW Youth Work Awards and Dinner on Monday, 30 November 2026.
Congratulations to all our dedicated staff members who work tirelessly to create positive change in the lives of those we serve. Your commitment and effort is truly inspiring! Being nominated and shortlisted is fantastic recognition in and of itself, a commendation and validation of our great and important work, our Marist ministry. We are very excited to see what the Awards night, a little under a month from now, will bring… fingers crossed!
Jane Powles
Partnerships and Advocacy Coordinator, and
Patrick O’Reilly
Director Mission, Inclusion and Identity
