The annual BLG Youth Awards took place on Friday night at the Rex Theatre in Charlton, celebrating the achievements of young people across the Buloke, Loddon, and Gannawarra Shires. 

This inspiring event was made possible through a partnership between Northern District Community Health and North Central LLEN.

The atmosphere in the Rex was vibrant, with a packed crowd, popcorn flowing, and everyone dressed to the nines. Elias Lanyon warmly welcomed attendees, kicking off the night with live music that set the tone for a memorable evening.

Community members nominated young people for the awards, and a panel of judges from each shire selected the winners based on their accomplishments and alignment with each award category. A huge congratulations goes out to all the nominees and award winners. The night’s honours were as follows:

• Community Service Award: Tom Ayars. Awarded for his impact on local youth, especially those who face challenges fitting in at school. Tom founded a new Youth Group, which he continues to lead, providing a supportive space for young people in Charlton.
• YAC Vic Rural’s Leadership: Ned Cartwright. As an executive member of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Ned has played a crucial role in fundraising initiatives, such as the Good Friday Appeal, where he helped raise over $1,500. 
• Elias Art Achievement in Art Award: Brylie Clough. A featured artist in the 2024 Homelessness Awareness Project, coordinated by NDCH. Brylie's vibrant design was displayed at the front of her workplace Gray's Bakery Kerang for the duration of Homelessness Awareness week and raised $325 for homeless support.
• Music HQ, Legacy Music Award: Elias Lanyon. An inspiring representative for our communities, taking his artistry to national stages such as The Voice Australia, where he showcased not only his remarkable voice but also the spirit of Loddon Shire and our agricultural backbone.
• Birchip Cropping Group’s Agricultural Award: Jenna Alday. Jenna is a bright, ambitious student who has a true passion for Agriculture. From a very young age, Jenna has developed a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to run an agricultural enterprise. 
• Team of the Year: Birchip-Watchem Girls Football Team, has become a pioneering force in regional girls' football, representing the only girls' program in the NCFL. Now in their third season, Birchip-Watchem entered both U15 and U12 teams in the Central Victoria Football League competitions in 2024, welcoming girls from across the region—including Wycheproof, Nullawil, Donald, Boort, and Warracknabeal—who came together to form a unified, spirited team.
• Event of the Year – People’s Choice Award (voting on the night): As a part of the overall Mali Fest, a battle of the bands competition saw soloists, duos and full bands perform with the accompaniment of Taylor Henderson. Blake Lee accepted this award, as he spearheaded this event.  
• Youth of the Year:
  • Buloke: Keely Allan presented by Blake Lee and Torri Tillig. Keely is a strong advocate for youth voice across her community.  
  • Loddon: Elias Lanyon presented by Dan Strawbe. A young musician who is a great advocate for mental health and our rural communities. 
  • Gannawarra: Rory Martin presented by Fifi White. An aspiring artist as well as a CFA volunteer. 

The guest speaker for the evening, Neighbours star Jordy Lucas, inspired attendees with a personal story about resilience and perseverance. She shared how her journey as a young actress was full of auditions and rejections, but she never gave up on her dreams. Jordy encouraged the audience to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continue striving towards their goals.

It was an evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and a strong sense of community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the BLG Youth Awards a success!