By Brendan Rees
Four of Casey’s most outstanding young people were recognised in the Young achiever Awards in front of more than 600 guests at a gala event in Flemington on Friday 18 May.
Catherine Ayad, 24, was presented as a nominee in the First National Real Estate Leadership Award.
Ms Ayad of Cranbourne North is a passionate leader caring for those less fortunate; she founded Driven by Confidence and is involved with Fitted for Work which helps women break through barriers in finding employment.
Hashala Ferndando, 22, of Cranbourne East was presented as a nominee in the Berry Street Create Change Award. Ms Ferndando was awarded with a finalist dedication award for commitment to the in2science peer mentoring program.
Ms Ferndado volunteers as mentor and has built up quality relationships between students and their teachers.
Khan Hazara, 26, of Hampton Park was presented as a nominee in the WFI Insurance Small Business Achiever Award.
Mr Hazara arrived from Afghanistan in 2009 and overcame many challenges including language and a lack of understanding of the Australian culture to start Dandy Mart which has successfully grown to three branches.
Christopher Klepacz of Hampton Park, who was unable to make the gala night, was announced earlier this year as a finalist in the Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award, part of the Victorian Young Achiever Awards.
The 18-year-old was born with Cerebral Palsy and has overcome significant challenges to achieve strong IT capabilities and qualifications.
The Awards aim to encourage, reward and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young Victorians up to and including 29 years of age.
