Leila Thew (pictured with NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit Commander Inspector Ray Merz) used the skills she developed through an SES internship to help emergency services locate a light aircraft. Photo: NSW SES.
Celebrating the impact young people have on a community and embracing the tools and opportunities which can help them thrive are at the core of this year’s Youth Week in the Illawarra, with the region showcasing the promise and potential of the next generation.
Leila Thew is proof that age is not a barrier to helping others when you’re equipped with the right skills.
The 16-year-old’s quick thinking and instinct kicked in when she saw a light aircraft make an emergency landing near Shellharbour Airport earlier this month.
She was finishing a driving lesson when the incident occurred, and although her instructor called triple zero the exact location was difficult to describe.
“I remembered what I had learnt during my time on the SES Youth Internship Program and logged into the What3Words app to give the operator a three-word address for the incident,” Leila said.
“Emergency services were then able to pinpoint the site of the emergency and respond.”
Leila was introduced to the app and navigation skills through the internship program in 2024, and had recently refreshed her knowledge during the Ultimate Learner Driver Logbook Run initiative by Shellharbour Council where there was a presentation by the NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit.
“Road safety events, youth programs and practical training are more than just hours to log. They turn knowledge into action, and a smartphone app into a tool that can guide help to exactly where it is needed,” NSW SES Shellharbour City Unit Commander Inspector Ray Merz said.
The internship program returns to Shellharbour in term three of this year, allowing 15- and 16-year-olds to increase their knowledge and ability to act in emergency situations, with young people able to apply and find out more by contacting [email protected]
“I really liked how the volunteers were so passionate to help everyone learn about what they did. They taught me first aid and how to use radio and navigation equipment,” Leila said.
“It’s a really good opportunity and it can help you in situations that you wouldn’t think you would get into yourself.”
Leila is one of the many impressive young people who make a positive impact in our region.
Wollongong Youth Award winners were celebrated for their dedication across many areas. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Seven youth aged 12 to 24 received honours at Wollongong’s Youth Week Awards, demonstrating excellence and dedication across the categories of volunteer, community ambassador, artist, performer, sportsperson, environmentalist and small business.
Winners included proud Gamilaraay woman and inspiring young Aboriginal leader Kyarlee Clulow who teaches Aboriginal culture in schools, mentors young people and participated in community events and initiatives.
Young snowboarder Hartley Zietsch was recognised for his success on and off the slopes, as a role model who is not defined by medical hurdles associated with a permanent condition and an advocate for inclusivity in sport.
For Audrey Mackey, sport has also been a pathway for giving back, with her dedication to volunteering and the tennis community leading to her accumulating almost 600 hours as a ball kid over the past five years, and being instrumental in creating opportunities for local youth through the inaugural Wollongong ball kid trials.
Jessica Jayaswal received the environmental award for her dedication to sustainability and reducing pollution through facilitating events such as campus clean-ups, upcycling workshops and community garden events.
Creatives, such as performer Bronte Ireland and artist Mitchell Wilson, received recognition for their achievement and success through their artforms, as did small business owner Ruah Nuri who transformed her personal passion into a meaningful venture in founding HennaBloom.
“There’s a common thread amongst all our Youth Week Awards winners, and that is inspiration,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“You can choose any of our worthy recipients, and you’ll find that they’re passionate in what they do and want to bring their community along for that journey.
“Understanding that community is essential for our future, they are sharing their talents and knowledge through volunteering and mentoring – especially with other young people. These are true markings of future leaders and I’m excited to see them grow in Wollongong.”
Youth Week 2026 in not only about celebrating the impressive young people already making a difference in the community, but also about forming connections and providing future opportunities for all.
Flagstaff is inviting people with disability, their families, carers and schools to learn about the activities and supports that are available to help people with disability leave school and find employment, get help in the community, gain support with fitness and diet, cooking or learning job skills through an open day on Thursday 23 April.
From 10 am to 1 pm the local disability enterprise will open its doors to help people see the potential pathways they can explore and reach their goals.
Although many events held by council are already sold out, there are opportunities to get involved, such as a BBQ and DJ session at Bellambi Beach or a Boxing Class at Lake Illawarra PCYC on Monday 20 April, the Young + Heard podcast launch at Wollongong Youth Services or a kickboxing class at Lake Illawarra PCYC on Tuesday 21 April or the Our Stories Our Voices film festival at Gala Twin Cinema on Wednesday 22 April.
“Youth Week is a time to recognise the imagination, energy and talent of our young people,” Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said.
“It’s a chance for them to express themselves, try new things, and be part of our vibrant community.”
The Youth Art and Design Exhibition will be on display at the Shellharbour Civic Centre throughout April and photo panels embodying students from Illawarra Sports High’s interpretation of the Youth Week theme Dream. Dare. Do. are being showcased at Wollongong’s Youth Centre.
For event information or updates visit your local council website.
