The LYRiK Awards acknowledge the positive contributions of young people aged 10 to 24 across a range of categories including leadership, creativity, kindness and community service.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Carol Adams Young Person of the Year Award, which this year was awarded to Takunda Bere.
Takunda, a passionate youth advocate and leader, serves on both the Kwinana and Ministerial Youth Advisory Councils, giving a strong voice to young people at local and state levels. She has volunteered extensively with Anglicare WA and Youth Making a Difference, supporting initiatives such as the World’s Greatest Shave, Operation Op-Shop, and the Anglicare Sleepout at Optus Stadium.
As Head Girl at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School, Takunda leads by example—organising school-wide events, speaking at commemorative services, and ensuring her peers are heard and supported. She is also a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award recipient and participates in programs including GRIP, Fogarty Futures and Zero2hero.
Two exceptional young people were honoured with this year’s LYRiK Personal Development Awards—a category that continues to recognise strength, growth, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of oneself.
Presented by City of Kwinana Mayor Peter Feasey, the first was awarded to Marliah Hereora-Talagi, a Gilmore College student and participant in the Follow the Dream program. Marliah’s achievements include securing an Aboriginal School-Based Traineeship and being selected as a LYRiK Scholarship recipient.
The second recipient, Portia Lovejoy, was recognised for her unwavering focus and commitment to helping others. Balancing school and work, Portia aspires to a future in community services and is admired for her quiet strength and proactive approach to life.
“These young people have shown tremendous courage and perseverance in pursuing their goals”
said Mayor Feasey. “Their commitment to personal development and their drive to give back to the community set a powerful example for all of us. We are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
LYRiK Award winners 2025:
Achievement in Career or Education Progression Award (10 - 17 years)
• Aliyah Ghonem
Achievement in Career or Education Progression Award (18 - 24 years)
• Christopher Alvaro
• Jason Kelly
Community Inspiration Award (10 - 17 years)
• Dyon Strowse
• Cohen Hughes
Leadership Award (10 - 17 years)
• Larna Sweetman
• Ryan Rawlinson
Leadership Award (18 - 24 years)
• Piper Smith
Social Justice Advocate Award (10 - 17 years)
• Nikki Koutlis
Social Justice Advocate Award (18 - 24 years)
• Tawana Mawoko
Sport and Recreation Achievement Award (10 - 17 years)
• Taya Jai Cassidy
Sport and Recreation Achievement Award (18 - 24 years)
• Crystal Gilamon
To learn more about the LYRiK Awards or to get involved in youth programs in Kwinana, visit www.kwinana.wa.gov.au