Kala Petronijevic and the Dingley Venturers Group were the big winners at this year’s Kingston City Council Youth Awards.
Kala was named Kingston’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2024, while the Venturers were named the Young Community Group of the Year.
The Council says Kala’s story is one of incredible resilience and determination. Despite severe vision impairment, she has excelled academically and demonstrated exceptional adaptability.
Beyond her studies, Kala introduced blind tennis to Cheltenham, creating an inclusive space for children with vision impairments to enjoy sports.
Through her efforts, she has fostered a supportive community, empowered others, and promoted social connection. Kala’s dedication to breaking down barriers makes her a true role model, inspiring a more inclusive future, Council said in a statement.
The Dingley Venturers Unit is the most active in Kingston, known for their strong teamwork, community spirit, and dedication to service.
From mentoring younger scouts to volunteering at ANZAC Day services, park cleanups, and Kingston events, they consistently give back, Council said.
“Their commitment inspires younger scouts, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and leadership. With 80% of them pursuing the prestigious Queen’s Scout Award, these Venturers are not just reaching milestones, but shaping themselves as future leaders,” it said.
The winners were selected from an outstanding group of finalists, who have all made a significant contribution to the Kingston community, said Kingston Mayor, Jenna Davey-Burns.
She said the annual awards are a wonderful celebration of the talents and achievements of young people in Kingston.
“We are really lucky to have so many young people in Kingston taking such an active role in our community and we’re proud to host this event to shine a light on their positive contributions,” Mayor Davey-Burns said.
“Their stories as young leaders are inspiring as they drive positive change across our city, and I can’t wait to follow their journeys moving forward. They are going to achieve great things.”
To find out more head to kingstonyouth.org.au/2024-youth-awards.
