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. Marist180 has been shortlisted for three NSW Youth Work Awards! They are only one of three services that have been shortlisted for an Award in more than one category, writes Patrick O’Reilly, Director Mission, Inclusion and Identity, Marist180.
The three shortlisted Awards/Awardees are:
1) NSW Youth Worker of the Year: Isileli Koloamatangi
Isileli Koloamatangi, known as Isi, is a dedicated youth worker with Marist180, supporting hundreds of young people over 24 years. His success in Out of Home Care stems from his ability to foster belonging and security, essential for the boys’ growth. Isi inspires them to excel academically, engage in health services, and develop life skills. His commitment remains unwavering, giving 100% every day, despite the curve balls and challenges.
Isileli Koloamatangi.
This work is not just a job for Isi; it’s a vocation, a profound purpose.
This work is not just a job for Isi; it’s a vocation, a profound purpose. He strives to give these children the childhood they deserve, creating memories and ensuring secure attachments. Supported by his family, Isi volunteers for special occasions, transforming celebrations into cherished moments, providing the boys with genuine family experiences.
2) Outstanding Work with First Nations Young People: Hebersham Aboriginal Youth Service (HAYS) House
HAYS House addresses the critical needs of homeless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Mount Druitt area. HAYS was first established in 1989 as a self–determined First Nations youth service, using a unique partnership approach. Collaborating with an Aboriginal Reference group, Marist180 and the Department of Community Services (now Department of Communities and Justice), HAYS House provided crucial direction and expertise in developing support services.
HAYS House.
HAYS House continues to be a beacon of hope, providing tailored support and fostering resilience among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Expanding from direct outreach support with two Aboriginal caseworkers in 2004, HAYS introduced intensive, supported accommodation services for young people experiencing crisis. HAYS House continues to be a beacon of hope, providing tailored support and fostering resilience among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, empowering them to overcome adversity and achieve their potential.
3) Outstanding Work with Young People from Diverse Cultures, Backgrounds, Experiences: Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors (UHM) program.
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.
UHM program.
The collaborative program takes a holistic approach to support each child by nurturing their culture, religion, and individual strength.
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 three Marist Schools as part of the METWELL (Marist Exchange Two Way Education Life Learning) program, who, this year, have provided weekly homework/tutorial support, language/cultural knowledge and development, and, most importantly, the forging of new relationships/friendships.
Youth Action hosts the NSW Youth Work Awards. The Awards will be held as part of ‘Listen, Learn, and Celebrate’ NSW Youth Work Conference at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. The Conference is being held on 31 October and 1 November, with the awards at a dinner on the Thursday evening.
Congratulations to all the dedicated staff members who work tirelessly to create positive change in the lives of those we serve. Your/our commitment and effort are truly inspiring! Being 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 over a month from now, will bring… fingers crossed!
Marist180 belongs to the wider global Marist community of schools, welfare agencies, universities and colleges, youth advocacy, and young adult ministry that has a presence in eighty-one countries. They provide a range of programs and services to help a young person create positive change in their lives. Read more about their work.
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