More than 400 guests gathered for the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards after more than 250 nominations were received from across Australia.

MELBOURNE, VIC – Three young Australians whose work spans elite sport, education and youth justice were among 13 award recipients recognised at the 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards at the MCG, following more than 250 nominations from across Australia.

The national celebration brought together Federal and State Ministers and MPs, Commissioners, community and faith leaders, influencers, sector leaders, families and young people, with 13 awards recognising achievement across sport, education, leadership, community service, entrepreneurship, advocacy and the arts. Now in its third year, the Awards have grown into a national platform recognising the achievements and contributions of multicultural young Australians.

Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Federal Minister for Youth, delivered the ministerial address and presented the Australian Youth Minister Award.

AFL history-maker recognised

Essendon Football Club’s Jayden Nguyen received the Young Sportsperson of the Year Award after making AFL history in 2025 as the first player of Vietnamese heritage to compete at AFL level. After progressing through Essendon’s James Hird Academy, he earned a place on the club’s AFL list, marking a significant milestone for Vietnamese Australian representation in elite Australian Rules football.

Educator supporting 5,000 African Australian students receives Minister’s Award

African Australian educator Ladan Ahmed received one of the night’s most prestigious honours, the Australian Youth Minister Award, after being selected by Minister Walsh.

Ahmed helps lead a $12 million Department of Education portfolio supporting more than 5,000 African Australian students each year, while also teaching Youth Work, Youth Studies and Social Science at RMIT University.

From incarceration to preventing youth crime

South Sudanese Australian finalist Moses Riek was recognised for a remarkable transformation from incarceration to becoming a respected youth mentor. He now uses his lived experience to support young people involved in, or at risk of entering, the justice system. Through 16 YARDS, he works across community and youth justice settings, supporting young people with identity, education, employment and wellbeing.

International student recognised for community impact

Danish Rizal, a Malaysian fashion designer, international student and content creator with more than 10,000 followers on Instagram alone, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award. Rizal also led the 2024 Colours of Malaysia Festival, which brought together more than 30,000 people through fashion, food, music and the arts.

Multicultural Youth Awards 2026 | Media Release

Quotes

“Australia’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and multicultural young Australians are playing such an important role in building a more inclusive, connected and vibrant future.”

“The Multicultural Youth Awards celebrate young people who are making a difference in their communities through leadership, creativity, advocacy, education and community participation.”

• Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh, Federal Minister for Youth

“The nominees we celebrate tonight are speaking up, creating opportunities for others, and showing us what is possible when young people lead.”

• Leela Gray, Chairperson, Multicultural Youth Group

“These young people aren’t waiting for the future to make their mark. They’re already changing communities, opening doors for others and challenging what leadership in Australia looks like. The Multicultural Youth Awards are about making sure their stories are seen, heard and celebrated.”

• Yusuf Liban, Director, Multicultural Youth Group

The 2026 Multicultural Youth Awards were supported by government, community and corporate partners including VicHealth, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, TAFE Victoria, Cultura, SBS, NAATI and the City of Melbourne.

The 13 awards also recognised young Australians across academia, entrepreneurship, volunteering, Aboriginal self-determination, leadership, creative arts and digital advocacy. View the full list of 2026 award recipients.