Candidates 2006
Matiu "Munch" Taahi
Home Town: Berkeley
Age: 20
Matiu “Munch” Taahi has been a Youth Leader at East Coast City Church and has spoken at numerous church youth functions. He has also volunteered as a coach for a primary school football team.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people, especially kids. I came from an area in New Zealand where many of the kids are disadvantaged and I was just lucky enough to get out of there. I feel I can help kids in the same situation because I understand how tough life can be”
Adam Fryday
Home Town: Woonona
Age: 20
Adam has been involved in a Program called “Read-a-cise” Which teaches “at risk” children how to read, and the values of exercise. He also participates in the capacity of their basketball coach. Adam has also done various basketball clinics and assisted at numerous events hosted by Bulli PCYC.
“My message to the youth of Illawarra is: Education is the key to the future. If you have the opportunity to learn, grasp it with both hands and don’t let go until you know enough to make your own way in the world”
Chris Isaac
Home Town: North Wollongong
Age: 20
Chris has been involved in the University of Wollongong Black Opal Leadership Program. He has also been a Student Representative for the Wollyungah Indigenous Centre. He has also participated in Relay For Life, Destination Safety, Clean-Up Australia Day, Conservation Australia. He is also a regular Blood Donor to the Australian Red Cross.
“Some males in the community unfortunately don’t get the credit they deserve for all the good things they do. I loved the chance to show all that is possible for someone willing to care, listen and take the time to make a difference to not only those close to him but also the community at large”
Daniel Brain
Home Town: Wollongong
Age: 20
Daniel has been involved with the Wollongong City Council Youth Advisory Committee. He has also been a member of Wollongong State Emergency Service. More recently, he has assisted Wollongong PCYC in organising and running events for young people under 18 years old
“I am really interested in the idea of being a positive role model for younger people. I feel that everyone deserves an equal chance to reach their ultimate potential, however some are disadvantaged and miss out. For me, volunteering is a way to help others get that chance”
Laurent Steiger
Home Town: Wollongong
Age: 20
Laurent volunteers for Kids Hope where he mentor children who have divorced or to be divorced parents. He is also a Youth Leader at Wollongong Church of Christ. Laurent also enjoys donating blood regularly with the Australian Red Cross
“When I heard of the event I was intrigued about why something like this hasn’t been done before. it is hard to prove that I am different to the negative stereotypes we hear about young men. So I entered to make it clear. Illawarra’s Best Catch was the night to say it”
Scott Hunter
Home Town: Bulli
Age: 20
Scott has volunteered and been involved in the organisation of Illawarra Youth League Basketball. Scott also enjoys assisting his family where possible. He informs us that he has a huge family. He has also participated in Streamwatch – a program for High School students.
“When I heard about Illawarra’s Best Catch I realised that it was a positive chance to get involved in the community. The big night was a lot of fun and gave me a chance to be out of my comfort zone. I hope that I will be given a chance to get involved in more community events”
