A group supported by Newsboys Foundation has won the prestigious Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award at the 2025 7NEWS Victorian Young Achiever Awards.
Newsboys has been supporting the Very Special Kids Youth Advisory Group (YAG) since 2023.
“We are proud to support the Youth Advisory Group and are delighted that the group’s thoughtful and influential work has been acknowledged publicly with this wonderful award,” Newsboys Foundation CEO Sandy Shaw said.
YAG members bring diverse experiences: some are bereaved siblings, while others have a brother or sister living with a life-limiting condition.
The Youth Advisory Group consists of 12 inspiring young adult and adolescent siblings eager to express their thoughts and ideas in bold, creative ways.
Established in 2022, YAG’s advocacy has influenced policies, contributed to paediatric palliative care conferences and working groups, encouraged youth engagement and inspired the creation of the Children’s Advisory Group at Very Special Kids.
The award was presented by Anthony Cianflone MP, State Labor Member for Pascoe Vale.
YAG member Grace said: “Being acknowledged for our work within Very Special Kids has been a monumental milestone for the Youth Advisory Group.
“I personally find the group a joy to be a part of for the social aspect that allows for discussions and often friendly debates on topics, but to be acknowledged for our work within a community reinforces the fact that the YAG is having an impact on the Very Special Kids community and maybe even the wider community.”
Each YAG session is facilitated by family support manager Jessica Birnbaum and family support practitioner Damienne Mor.
Jessica said: “It was such a thrill for these young people to be recognised in this way. Having known many of them since they were in primary school, witnessing how hard their lives have been, this was a shiny, sparkly moment that we will remember always.
“YAG is more than just an advisory group shaping how Very Special Kids engages young people. It’s about peer connection, leadership development and it continues to offer therapeutic benefits to all involved. It also reminds Damienne and I daily about the importance of the work and of listening to young people.”
Speaking to the future of YAG, Grace expressed her excitement and optimism.
“I know this award will allow us to strengthen our influence at Very Special Kids, allowing more opportunities to advise and support in the organisation. Maybe this award will even show other organisations the value of listening to young people’s voices and inspire other Youth Advisory Groups to form,” Grace said.
“The sky’s the limit and you have not heard the last of the Youth Advisory Group. Yay for YAG.”
In a statement, Very Special Kids said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Newsboys Foundation for their generous funding of our Youth Advisory Group’s outstanding work. Your support has been instrumental in empowering our young members to make a meaningful impact, and we are deeply appreciative of your commitment to our cause.”