The inspiring and outstanding accomplishments of 21 high achievers have been recognised at the 2025 City of Canterbury Bankstown Children and Youth Awards.
Among those recognised were:
- Estelle Freeman, a 9-year-old Padstow resident who helps cook meals for families in need and creates handmade cards for seniors in nursing homes.
- Prahar Shukla, an 8-year-old Earlwood resident who is an award-winning public speaker and has represented Australia on the world stage.
- Thien Ha Vo, a 13-year-old Yagoona resident who volunteers and provides philanthropic support to the Children’s Cancer Institute, Ovarian Cancer Australia, St Vincent de Paul, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Vietnamese Youth Orchestra.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the City was lucky to be home to such hard-working and community-service-minded young people.
“These children are awesome and I congratulate them for what they are doing in our community,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“They are making a real difference, whether it is bringing joy to our elderly or putting aside time to help others.
“They are a credit to their families, schools and the entire community. What bright futures they have ahead of them.”
Revesby resident Piper Goyen was one of the winners recognised for her success as a national sports commentator, player, debater and community volunteer.
Piper, an 18-year-old proud Aboriginal woman, has her sights set on becoming a sports journalist after she finishes her HSC and she credits her family for helping her succeed.
“My family is extremely proud and supportive of everything I do and are a huge part of how I’ve had so many opportunities,” she said.
“From years of driving me around to sports, school events, etc they are proud of the things I am now doing myself and with my life.”
Mayor El-Hayek said he was especially impressed with the work 9-year-old Estelle Freeman is doing when it came to our elderly.
“I can just imagine the smile on the faces of the nursing home residents who receive one of her handmade cards. Written from the heart and lots of love,” he said.
CBCity Children and Youth Award 2025 recipients
Children’s categories:
- Inspiration – Amir Bentaalla, Mariam Kharboutli, Kylie Masterton, Israa Vidmar and Mohammad Reza Mirzaee
- Contribution – Sofia Wallace, Kashmala Khan, Noor Mohammad Faruk Hussain, Christian Burke and Estelle Freeman
- Leadership – Laila El Sayed, Sara Azam, Evie Doroszuk, Prahar Shukla and Sophie Harikopoulos
Youth categories:
- Sporting achievement – Tahlia Coulton
- Academic achievement – Erik Gilberd
- Inspiration – Piper Goyen
- Community involvement – Thien Ha Vo
- Creative and performing – Amelia Waters
- Leadership – Lejla Sinanovic
