Talented young people celebrated at Alpine Shire Youth Awards in Mounty Beauty

More than 100 people gathered at the Mount Beauty Community Centre on Friday 16 October to celebrate the outstanding achievements of young people at the 2026 Alpine Shire Youth Awards. The 2026 awards saw 34 young people nominated across 11 categories in a lively and joyous ceremony hosted by locals Luella Pask and Andie Thurkettle. The ceremony also showcased performances that reflected themes of connection to other people, places, and cultures through the mediums of dance, music, and film. Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said year on year, the awards continue to make space for the diversity of interests, talents and experiences of young people across the Alpine Shire. "When we approach each other with compassion and curiosity, there is room for everyone to thrive," she said. "We saw that this year through the achievements of the 34 nominees and also through the terrific performances during the ceremony, where we were invited to experience the world through the eyes of these talented young people. "I congratulate all nominees and the recipients of the 2026 Youth Awards and thank the students of the Mount Beauty Secondary College Indonesian class, Kaia Altman, Kristina Fantonalgo, Amber Ghulam and the Mount Beauty Secondary School Band for sharing their skills and passion through their performances." Highlights from the ceremony included a performance from the students of Mount Beauty Secondary College Indonesian class, who performed the Rangkuk Alu (Tari Rangkuk Alu), a traditional dance from the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia. Other highlights included performances from singer-songwriter Kaia Altman, a short film written and directed by Kristina Fantonalgo and Amber Ghulam that explored the relationships formed across cultures, and a big band-style jazz piece by the Mount Beauty Secondary School Band. Textile works created together with Little Stitches were also on display. Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2026 Alpine Shire Youth Awards: - Kirsten McLennan received the Academic Award, sponsored by Dickens Real Estate. - Alexander White received the Community Award, sponsored by Mount Beauty & District Community Bank. - Libby Boland received the Endurance & Persistence Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bright. Vera Clarkson received the Performing Arts Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Myrtleford. - Molly Knobel received the Proud & Deadly Award, sponsored by Alpine Shire Council. - Jack Matheson received the Rural Award, sponsored by TAFCO Rural Supplies. - Gemma Corcoran and Hunter Dines received the Sports & Recreation Awards, sponsored by Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club. - Kristina Fantonalgo received the Visual Arts & Media Award, sponsored by Bright Art Gallery & Cultural Centre. - Dustyn Everard received the Workplace Award, sponsored by HVP Plantations. - Connor McEwan received the Alpine Shire Youth Award (12 – 16 years), sponsored by Bright Community Bank. - Jade Hazeldine received the Alpine Shire Youth Award (17 – 21 years), sponsored by Rotary Club of Bright.

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