BUSINESS COMMUNITY HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES SHINE AT ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT

On December 2nd the Annual Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) Youth and Family Awards took place at SYFS Youth and Family Centre in Warilla.

The Event recognised and paid tribute to the enormous achievements of disadvantaged young people and families who managed to successfully navigate the many barriers and obstacles they were faced with as well as the added challenge of life during a global pandemic.

Along with presentation of approximately 50 Awards, one of the highlights was long-time SFYS Associate Carol Metcalf donating funding in memory of her late son Ben Cooper. The recipient was a remarkable young SYFS client named Zayne Burnham who displayed genuine and heartfelt appreciation in receiving the honour. 

The audience was deeply moved by Carol's personal depiction of her son's struggles throughout his life, and her motivation in creating this Fund to assist young men facing similar challenges.

Among the special guests in attendance were Shellharbour Lord Mayor Marriane Saliba, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, Member for Keira Ryan Park along with St George Illawarra young guns Jayden Sullivan and Tyrell Sloan and Illawarra Hawks players AJ Ogilvy and Alex Mudronja.

Those in attendance were treated to a beautiful performance by acclaimed singer / songwriter Emily Markham along with a first-time performer at the Awards, Rhyan Clapham better known as local Hip Hop artist Dobby.

It was Dobby who closed the Awards ceremony with a high-energy performance featuring a live DJ, drumming and expertly crafted songs with politically charged lyrics that resonated with many in the audience - adults and young people alike.

While it was the deserving young people and family members who took centre stage on the night, this event simply wouldn't be possible without the support of the local business community who assist in funding award prizes and event costs. Many of our sponsors were in attendance to mingle with other guests and young people throughout the evening and personally present awards.

We would like to thank the following businesses for their generous support.

 Major Sponsor

Illawarra Toyota

 Entertainment Sponsor 

Peloton Constructions

 Platinum Sponsors

Commonwealth Bank

Xpon Technologies

Virtual IT

 Gold Sponsors

AST

BMS

Cardno

 Silver Sponsors

Police Lake Illawarra District - Crime Prevention Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Traffic Unit and General Duties 

The Albion Park Rail Neighbourhood Centre 

The Byrnes/McMahon Families 

Convenient Chemist Wollongong 

The St George Illawarra Dragons  

Illawarra Masonry 

Illawarra Taxi Network 

Kells 

Martin Merrett One Agency Real Estate 

Illawarra Youth Housing 

John and Jenny Murray 

Nowra Carpet Court 

Nowra Chemicals 

NR Wallace Building Inspections 

 Bronze Sponsor

Gerry Traill

SYFS Annual Raffle raising much needed funds was also drawn on the day, with winners announced that evening. We would also like to thank and acknowledge our Raffle Sponsors - 

 Portico

Wave Surfboards

Virtual IT

Wollongong Bike Hub

Beauty by Beck

Domayne Electrical Warrawong

Illawarra Hawks

St George Illawarra Dragons

WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre

The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant