Nominate for the youth awards 2025

When Abeer Fatima was named Young Achiever of the Year at the 2023 Youth Projects Youth Awards, it wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was just the beginning of a leadership journey that has inspired many others.

Before the award, Abeer was already making an impact. She represented the Youth Projects Youth Advisory Group at the Victorian Parliament’s State of the Future Youth Forum, where she spoke directly in parliament on issues like education, mental health, and the future of young Victorians. She contributed to the Merri-bek City Council’s Youth Connectors program and brought CALD youth perspectives into decision-making spaces. Abeer also used media platforms including the Unpack Parliament podcast and SBS Urdu, to amplify the voices of young people and build awareness around critical issues in her community.

Abeer credits much of her confidence and drive to mentorships. Her elder sister, who also won the Young Achiever of the Year in 2022, guided her from the start, showing that leadership was possible and giving her the confidence to step into youth advocacy. Seeing someone she could relate to succeed reinforced the importance of representation and the powerful role mentorship plays in helping young people thrive.

“Growing up, there weren’t many people who looked like me in positions of leadership. Seeing my sister take on those roles and excel in her areas of interest gave me faith that I too belonged in these spaced. It showed me that representation matters.”

Winning the award affirmed the impact of Abeer’s advocacy but it also opened doors to new opportunities. She joined CMY’s Shout Out public speaking program, took on leadership roles at headspace Craigieburn, judged the Parliament Prize and furthered her studies, completing a Bachelor of Science from Monash University.

“My journey started with being part of the Youth Projects Youth Advisory Group, and now I coordinate one of my own at headspace. I want to mentor and inspire other young people to make the most of the opportunities available to them.”

Abeer’s story is a reminder that recognition does more than celebrate achievement. It amplifies youth voice, creates opportunities and fosters the next generation of leaders. By highlighting young changemakers, communities, schools, and workplaces can inspire others, strengthen youth leadership pipeline and show that young people’s contributions are valued.  

Now, as the nominations open for 2025 Youth Projects Youth Awards, Abeer encourages young people and their mentors to get involved.

“Whether you believe you’re going to win or not, just give it a go. Put yourself or someone else forward and use this opportunity to reflect on their journey. It sends a powerful message that their contributions are valued.”

Know a young leader or mentor making a difference? Nominate them for the 2025 Youth Projects Youth Awards today!

Nominate now!