Victoria University alumna Devika Chaudhary has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award at the 2025 Multicultural Youth Awards (MYA), held over the weekend at Parliament House.
The award recognises a young individual or group making a significant positive difference through impactful volunteer work or community projects.
In a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Devika expressed her gratitude after receiving the award, dedicating the honour to the people and communities who have supported her journey.
She acknowledged the Australian Air Force Cadets, Brimbank City Council, and Victoria University for shaping her commitment to service, and paid special tribute to her mother, Poonam Singh JP, for inspiring her passion for giving back, “This recognition means so much to me—not just personally, but because it reflects the people and communities who have walked alongside me,” Devika said.
“It was a privilege to stand alongside so many inspiring changemakers who are making a real difference in their communities.”
Devika, who is a secondary school Mathematics and Physics teacher, joined the VU Alumni family in 2018 after completing a Diploma of Education Studies, has been a consistent contributor to her community and university.
Over the years, she has been named a Volunteer of the Year Finalist (2022), graduated with a Bachelor of Education (2023), recognised as a Rising Star Award Finalist (2024 & 2025), and now serves as an executive member of the Alumni Community Action Group (ACAG).
The Multicultural Youth Awards is a national event that celebrates the exceptional achievements of multicultural youth across Victoria and Australia. Moving beyond traditional recognition programs, it highlights the diverse talents, resilience, and leadership of young people who are shaping Australia’s inclusive future.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan praised the awardees, saying, “Victorians are proud of our diversity because we know it is our strength. We are proud to celebrate the exceptional work of young multicultural Victorians who help make our state a better and fairer place.”
“From entrepreneurship and academia to sports and the arts – every nominee has made a profound difference to our community and our state.”
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman commended the young leaders for their contributions, “Multicultural young Victorians give so much to the rich cultural fabric of our state. They’re showing up and getting involved in their local communities as the next generation of leaders.”
“The Multicultural Youth Awards provide a space to recognise and celebrate their significant contributions to the Victorian community, and beyond.”
Yusuf Liban, Director of the Multicultural Youth Group and 2025 Young Australian of the Year Finalist, added, “These young leaders are not waiting for permission – they’re creating change now.”
“The MYA is about amplifying their voices and recognising the impact they’re already making in their communities.”
Supported by the Victorian Government, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, and the Commission for Children and Young People, this year’s awards celebrated 13 outstanding young changemakers whose work spans advocacy, entrepreneurship, education, arts, and social justice. Collectively, they represent a new generation of leaders with a combined social media reach of over 500,000, amplifying their influence far beyond their local communities.
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