Junction Support Services was proud to be part of the 10th Red Carpet Youth Awards. We co-sponsored the Youth Ambassador Award, which was given to an inspiring young woman who arrived in Wodonga as a refugee and is now a community leader.

Junction joined with Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC) to sponsor the Youth Ambassador Award, which was given to 17-year-old Atosho (Natasha) Birongo.

A Wodonga Senior Secondary College student, Atosha has represented Victoria as a Young Australian Ambassador for UNICEF, advocating for children and young people and is part of the Multicultural Youth Group Albury-Wodonga.

Atosha’s family fled war in their homeland of Democratic Republic of Congo, became refugees in Kenya and were resettled in Australia through a Humanitarian visa.

The manager of Junction’s Specialist Adolescent Services, Rachel Habgood, said Atosha is an incredibly inspiring young lady who is dedicated to serving the Wodonga community.

“Atosha blew the judging panel away with her passion and dedication to make a difference even in spite of her own life challenges,” Rachel said.

Atosha accepted the award in front of 200 people at The Cube on 3 August.

Run by the City of Wodonga, the Red Carpet Awards recognise and acknowledge the contributions of 14-24 year olds and the difference they make in the Wodonga community.

“It was wonderful to be part of a night that celebrates the incredible achievements of local young people,” Rachel said.
This year’s Red Carpet Awards had 31 finalists.

Other award winners across the categories were Jye McBurnie (Individual Community Service), Tayla Sjorgren (Endurance/ Persistence ), Bryce Tracey (Apprenticeship and Traineeship); Alexandra Michael (Young Carer); Gemma Thorneycroft (Sport and Recreation Volunteer); Tyler Conlan (Visual Arts and Media); Patrick Sibomana (Advocacy and Action) and Meg Newton (Music and Performing Arts).

All of us at Junction congratulate all the young people who were nominated for the Red Carpet Awards.