07 December 2016.
We are proud to congratulate two Anglicare staff members awarded for their outstanding practice and achievements in their work with young people in the ACT.
The Youth Sector Awards, known as ‘Yogies’ are awarded by the Youth Coalition of the ACT to recognise, celebrate, promote and reward those who do exceptional work with young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Congratulations to Andrew Hill who was awarded the ‘Outstanding New Talent Award’ for his effort as a Youth Engagement Worker at Woden Youth Centre.
“Andrew is a Youth Engagement worker, employed by Anglicare and working with the Youth Engagement Team based at Woden Youth Centre. His role includes engaging with young people who access the drop-in space at Woden Youth Centre and through outreach, and providing casework and supported referrals.
Andrew is passionate about supporting and empowering young people to achieve all they can. He easily forms positive relationships with young people and demonstrates a strong commitment to them. Andrew always takes the time to sit and have a chat with all young people who access drop in, who often ask where he is if he is not rostered on.
Andrew joined the youth sector after a career change from building, and has hit the ground running. He has shown a willingness to develop as a youth worker, by seeking training opportunities, asking questions, taking on board feedback and including it in his practice, supporting his peers in their work and always putting his hand up to be involved in projects where he can broaden his knowledge and offer his support to young people.
Andrew is a vibrant, passionate and happy youth worker who has found his calling in the youth engagement sector. Andrew is often heard saying “I love my job” and “I have the best job in the world”. He is not shy of getting involved in anything and everything he can. As well as his paid role as a youth worker, Andrew volunteers his time at a local church, coordinating youth activities and mentoring young people.
Andrew’s great strengths are being able to engage with young people, both in the centre and whilst performing outreach, as well as working to a professional standard, showing maturity beyond his short career.”
Secondly, congratulations to Dr Rebecca Jacobs from The Junction at Club 12/25. ‘Dr Bec’, as she is known, is the winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award’ for her exceptional work as a General Practitioner and supporting young people in all aspects of their health.
“Rebecca is a General Practitioner working at The Junction Youth Health Service. ‘Dr Bec’ has a special ability to connect with the most vulnerable people in our community. To the young people who access The Junction she has become more than just a GP – she is their ally, mentor and a reliable constant in their lives. She supports young people in all aspects of their lives including medical, physical, mental and social health needs.
Dr Bec’s extensive wealth of knowledge and varied experience, as well as her passion for working with young people, sees her support the most vulnerable and at risk young people in the ACT and surrounds. She works hard to gain the trust of her patients who often return to seek her guidance. Dr Bec is a kind and passionate GP who doesn’t believe in backing down. She freely and non-judgmentally gives her knowledge, experience and support to young people on a daily basis. In addition to the support she provides to the young people in our service she is an invaluable part of the medical and youth work team, providing support and knowledge to the whole Junction Youth Health Team.”
Anglicare would like to congratulate both Andrew and Dr Bec for their well-deserved awards and for how they passionately support young people and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Pictured below: Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, Minister for Disability, Children and Youth presents Andrew Hill with the ‘Outstanding New Talent Award’ and Dr Bec with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Young People Award’.
Photos and award comments by the Youth Coalition of the ACT.
