Twenty-one of the region’s most outstanding young citizens were recognised on Wednesday February 10 at the Warrnambool and Moyne Youth Achiever Awards at the Lighthouse Theatre.

Tobin Varley and Alana Johnson were recognised as Warrnambool’s most outstanding achievers while Isaac Wareham and Kirsty Hausler won the top honour for Moyne.

Young people were also recognised with awards in Arts and Culture, Community and Leadership, Sport and Academics.

Warrnambool City Council Youth Mayor Declan Primmer said that each of the nominees had completed some “truly incredible” feats over the past year.

“This is a great opportunity for young people to be recognised by their community,” he said.

“The awards highlight the hard work that young people have undertaken to better not only themselves but our entire region.

“The terrific example set by the award winners and their dedication to excellence is something for us all to strive towards.”

This is the second year in a row that Alana Johnson has been recognised as Warrnambool’s top youth achiever. She was recognised for her kayaking achievements on a national stage as well as cross-country, athletics and gymnastics as well as being a recipient of the prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Scholarship and the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award.

Tobin Varley is a recognised actor, dancer and athlete. A runner-up in last year’s awards, he has been a leading member of the Holiday Actors for several years while also serving on the Little Athletics Committee as well as regularly competing in triathlons, ocean swims, fun runs and field hockey.

Like Alana, top Moyne achiever Kirsty Hausler also received a Kwong Lee Dow scholarship. She also received excellence awards in 10 subjects at the Hawkesdale P-12 awards night, is a CFA junior volunteer and is involved in school productions, debating and public speaking.

An accomplished sportsperson, Isaac Wareham has excelled in cricket and Australian Rules football while also earning the Mortlake Lions Club Scholarship Award for Leadership and Application to Study.

The Warrnambool and Moyne Youth Awards are proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool, South West Sport, Darrian Office and Art Supplies, the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation, Warrnambool City Council and Moyne Shire Council.

Warrnambool and Moyne Youth Achiever Award Winners