Nipuni Wijewickrema has been named Young Canberra Citizen of the Year for her contribution to the community.
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Ms Wijewickrema – also awarded the Individual Community Service – is an outgoing and active member of the Canberra community and started GG's flowers, a florist employing people with disabilities.
ACT Youth Minister Mick Gentleman said the award was an opportunity to recognise the achievements of young people in the capital since 1989.
"The awards honour young people who have made significant contributions in areas including community work, sport, education, science, culture, the arts or the environment," Mr Gentleman said.
The 21-year-old volunteers as a lifeline counsellor and contributes regularly to Canberra initiatives such as the Canberra Services Club and the Canberra Sri Lankan Community. She has also assisted many young people through her work with the ACT Youth Advisory Council.
Ms Wijewickrema and her family decided to set up GG's flowers in February to ensure 15-year-old Gayana, who has Down syndrome, would have a chance to become more independent when she finishes high school.
"GG's flowers provides a safe working environment for people with disabilities, as well as training and good wages. We're hoping to employ someone new next week," Ms Wijewickrema said.
Other young award recipients include Michelle Keevers for Personal Achievement, NbC Radio on 2XX for Group Achievement and Youth Arts and Multimedia, and Young Environmentalist Vanessa Farelly.
Mr Gentleman said the youth sector YOGIE awards celebrates "outstanding practice in working with young people" in the ACT and surrounding regions.
"The YOGIEs which have been running for 11 years, highlight the exceptional commitment, talent and innovation in the youth sector," Mr Gentleman said.
The outstanding youth worker was awarded to Ben Pegram for his work with children with intellectual disability and/or autism at the Woden School.
Other YOGIE recipients include Andrew Fraser at Connections ACT for Outstanding New Talent, Zoe Winters at Erindale College for Outstanding Contribution to Young People, Natalie Oliver at Anglicare ACT for Lifetime Achievement, Keith Brandy at Gulanga Program, ACTCOSS for Staff Acknowledgement.
YOGIE group participant awards include Outstanding Achievement in Youth Participation Youth Connections: Anglicare ACT, Community Service and Belconnen Community Service; Innovation in Practice Program for After School Studies MARSS; Collaboration for Change Multicultural Youth Affairs Network ACT; Excellence in Research and Evaluation Limiting Futures Youth Unemployment: Anglicare NSW South, NSW West and ACT; Excellence in Organisational Practice Youth Support and Transition Team: OCYFS, Community Services Directorate.
