By TANIA PHILLIPS
SOME of the best, brightest, creative, courageous and most community-minded young people on the Tweed were recognised and honoured at the annual Kids In Community awards held at Twin Towns Services last week.
The awards – organised by the non-profit KIC Inc committee – are completely funded by the support of local business and organisation sponsorship and donations.
This year marks the fourth year that the Tweed Shire awards have been held and more than 200 people were on hand to honour the nominees and winners on the night.
For this year’s awards 51 nominees were received and recognised on the night. Award categories and winners were:
* Caring for others – Olivia Jeavons, St Joseph’s College Banora Point.
* Celebrating our cultural diversity – Tom Reubin-McCoy, Banora Point High School.
* Serving our community – Raymond Hardcastle, Tweed River High School.
* Leading their peers – Briana Morris-Grant, Murwillumbah High School.
* Achieving against all odds – Hadassah Paulson, Tweed River High School.
* Protecting our planet – Mali Hermans, Murwillumbah High School.
* Adults supporting youth – Cool Heads Volunteers from St Joseph’s Youth Service.
The evening also showcased an exceptional entertainment program with a number of local talented entertainers including Roisin Davoren (St Joseph’s College), Sophie Griffiths (St Joseph’s College), brothers Sam and Ben Hogan (from Alstonville), Ben Hogan (Murwillumbah High School), Milian Martin (Mt St Patrick’s College), Nina Baumer (from Murwillumbah), Jordan Marshall (Wollumbin High School).
Tweed Shire KIC Awards committee member and former award recipient Matthew Kirkham said the awards served an important role.
“The awards highlight the incredible commitment and achievements of local young people in terms of community service, caring for others and generally having a go. The awards night is truly inspirational in terms of showcasing the contribution Tweed kids are making to the community as well as highlighting what talented young people we have with the night’s entertainment. As a former nominee and award recipient I felt very honoured and fortunate to have been recognised in such a manner.”
