The Unleashed Awards recognise young changemakers who are having a positive impact on their communities, from local causes to those further afield.

This year’s winners are:

• Trailblazer (Celebrating changemakers (individuals or groups) who are 29+, in recognition of their achievements) – Rosie and Lucy Thomas
• La Trobe Local legend (Celebrating young people aged 13 – 26 working within their local community to create positive change) – Nicholas Steepe
• Jumpstart (Celebrating young people aged 13 – 26 who have the potential to scale their idea through digital, but just need a little jumpstart) – Caleb Maru
• Gamechanger (Celebrating groups or individuals who are engaged in social or socially-minded business enterprise. This award focuses on innovation and enterprise skills) – Thomas Crosbie (12-18) and Edda Arnadottir Hamar (19-29)
• SBS Asia Connect (An award for a young person aged 13 – 26 who is working to turbocharge our connection with the Asian region) – Mirai Kirsanovs

FYA CEO Jan Owen AM said the awards honour and celebrate the vast contributions that young people make in their communities, across the country and beyond.

“The Unleashed Awards celebrate the best and brightest young people in Australia, giving them the recognition they deserve and the opportunity to continue the fantastic work their doing leading change across the country.

The Awards are part of the Unleashed Festival, Australia’s leading social change festival specifically for young people, which took place 21-26 September in Melbourne.