A YOUNG advocate for accessibility has been named Kingston’s young citizen of the year.
Mikail Liakos was born with vision impairment. He is a public advocate for greater accessibility measures, has shared his story to break down stigma, and has raised thousands of dollars for causes such as the Royal Children’s Hospital. Last week he won the Kingston Young Citizen of the Year award.
The Mordialloc Life Saving Club Youth Committee was named Young Community Group of the Year for its work contributing to public safety through patrols, running successful fundraisers, and encouraging young women to take on leadership roles.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley has congratulated the winners – she said “we are incredibly proud of Mikail, the Mordialloc Life Saving Club Youth Committee, and every one of our Youth Award finalists. These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of Kingston’s young people and the many ways they are making a difference.”
“From leadership and advocacy to volunteering, the arts, sports and innovation – our young people are stepping up, giving back and inspiring our whole community. It’s so important that we recognise and encourage their contributions, because they are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders today,” she said.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 10 September 2025