Hume Young Community Leader - Rumaysa Salman  

At 17, Rumaysa Salman is driving change as a Youth Parliamentarian, co-authoring a bill to introduce AUSLAN in schools and pharmacies, promoting Deaf community inclusion. A decade-long debater and 2024 Youth Parliament "Best Speaker," she champions youth issues as her school’s Academic Prefect, leading initiatives like a cyberbullying committee to support student well-being. Beyond school, Rumaysa collaborates with SBS on mental health advocacy and raises funds for Palestinian refugees as Marketing Director for Sirius for Aid. She also volunteers with the Hyderabadi Muslim Immigrant Association. Rumaysa’s dedication inspires a more inclusive and empowered community. 

Hume Young Entrepreneurship Leader - Xavier Bondin  

Xavier is a passionate young person, who is running his business 'Bills 2 Pay.' Xavier's vision is to help and solve the cost-of-living crisis that we're currently living in by comparing & saving money on electricity, gas and internet bills (at no cost to the consumer!) Xavier has a great connection to the community, demonstrating this as his future plans is to expand his business through his sponsorship at Meadowpark Soccer Club. 

Hume Young Sports and Recreation Leader - Jesse Littlehales  

Jesse has been a dedicated member of Craigieburn Little Athletics for over 11 years, starting as an athlete and evolving into a vital volunteer. As On Track Coordinator, he has been teaching skills-based training to U6-U8 athletes while also serving as the club's Head Coach, delivering training to over 300 athletes across summer and winter seasons. Committed to excellence, Jesse completed the ITLAS course in 2021 and the ATFCA Foundation course in 2023. His remarkable ability to inspire and connect with young athletes has made a lasting impact on the club and community, making him a standout nominee for the Hume Young Sports & Recreation Leader award. 

Hume Young Creative Arts Leader – Michelle Bishara   

Michelle is a gifted artist whose exceptional talent and creativity have significantly influenced the local arts scene. Skilled in both traditional and digital arts, her work is technically outstanding and emotionally captivating, showcasing her unique artistry and storytelling ability. Beyond her personal achievements, Michelle is dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusion, mentoring young artists, and building a supportive, vibrant arts community. Her leadership extends to promoting artistic expression and accessibility, making her an influential figure in the Hume community. Michelle's inspiring contributions make her a deserving recipient of the Hume Young Creative Arts Leader award. 

Please note that Michelle is not pictured here as her friend Atena collected her award on her behalf. 

The Afghanistan women's national soccer team has become a global symbol of resilience and empowerment. After fleeing Taliban persecution in 2021, they relocated to Australia, escaping severe threats and finding a safe space to pursue their passion for soccer. This journey marked a fight for survival and the right to thrive as athletes. In Australia, the team received immense support from local communities and organisations, enabling them to train safely and compete in local leagues. Beyond the field, they have used their platform to raise awareness about women’s rights in Afghanistan, shedding light on the struggles faced by Afghan women. Their efforts inspire others to challenge societal norms while fostering cultural integration and community among women athletes.