Youth-sector workers recognised for their dedication
Palmerston North’s young up-andcoming leaders have been recognised for their work in the youth sector.
Fourteen recipients walked away with awards at the Palmy Youth Network’s awards night.
The night was part of Youth Week, which runs from May 26 to June 4, and is about recognising the contributions and achievements of young people in New Zealand.
Youth Space worker Alan Dingley was given the making a difference award at the ceremony held on Friday night. Dingley has been an advocate and supporter of young people for years.
He is passionate about suicide prevention and has been involved in the Hope Walk, as well as being an active member of the Kind Hearts Movement.
The up and coming award was given to Johnelle Hosking, who is a mentor in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters programme. Johnelle was recognised because of her passion about youth matters and genuine interest in making a difference.
A range of awards were also given to community members, based around the theme of young people’s voices being heard.
Ross Intermediate pupil Carly Atkins, 12, organised a ‘‘Park up Palmy’’ event in Palmerston North, after becoming concerned at the lack of respect and understanding for homeless people.
More than 100 people registered to sleep in their cars for the night in September 2016. Through the event, Carly raised awareness about homelessness and allowed the struggles of people to be heard.
Grace Tuisaua has been a youth leader at Revolve Youth Ministry for the past five years. The team there works with more than 60 young people every Friday night. Grace has organised events, and has empowered the voice of young people and Samoan culture. The award winners: Youth Space’s Alan Dingley; Mentor, Johnelle Hosking; Freyberg High School deputy principal Craig Steed; The Stomach’s Harry Lilly; MUSA’S Georgia Feekes; Advocate Jonathan Brandon; Advocate Heather Warren; Race Unity Speech Awards organiser Joanne Wilson; Youth leader Grace Tuisaua; Environment advocate Julia Panfylova; Ross Intermediate teacher Nick Wilson; Ross Intermediate pupil Carly Atkins; Palmerston North City Council staffer Remy Waldteufelirvine; MUSA president Nikita Skipper.