Esky Escandor, who works at Street University Mt Druitt, was awarded the NSW Youth Worker of the Year Award 2024 by Youth Action NSW, the leading organisation for youth work in New South Wales. The award was presented on 31 October 2024 during the NSW Youth Work Awards ceremony held at the Dubbo RSL.
The NSW Youth Worker of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the youth sector. This accolade underscores the dedication and innovative approaches of youth workers who inspire positive change, strengthen communities, and support the personal growth and well-being of young people across the state.
Esky has spent over 10 years helping young people in Western Sydney, especially those facing tough times. Growing up in Blacktown-Mt Druitt, he understands the community well. He uses his experiences to bring young people together and help them feel proud of their culture.
As an arts program developer and a drug and alcohol counsellor, Esky helps young people deal with problems through art and creativity. One of his programs is the “Stop, Collaborate, Listen” workshop. In these workshops, young people use popular music to talk about mental health. They also get a chance to lead parts of the workshop, which builds their confidence.
“I believe art and music can break down barriers,” Esky said. “When young people express themselves creatively, they can handle their problems better.”
Every month, Esky organises “Block Party” events. These events attract over 300 people from the community. They give young talents a chance to show their skills in a friendly place.
“The Block Parties are more than just fun events,” he said. “They celebrate our community’s strength and creativity. It’s great to see families and young people come together and support each other.”
Esky’s work with youth was also featured in the Netflix documentary “OneFour: Against All Odds”. This film is known for its strong social message and has received high praise. Being part of this documentary shows how important Esky’s work is in the community.
Esky is proud of his Filipino background. He believes in “Bayanihan,” a Filipino word that means working together and helping each other. This idea guides his work.
“My culture teaches us to come together to help one another,” he explained. “That’s what I try to bring to my work at Street University and to the youth of Western Sydney.”
People across the country have noticed Esky’s work. He has been featured on TV shows like Channel 10’s “The Project” and SBS’s “The Feed”. These shows highlighted how his ideas are making positive changes in the community.
Winning the NSW Youth Worker of the Year Award is a big moment for Esky. “I’m very proud,” he said. “I’m grateful to my family, to the team I work with, and to those who came before me. This award is for everyone who believes in helping our youth.”
Esky plans to keep expanding his programs and reach more young people. His goal is to build a community where every young person feels important and ready for the future.
“There’s still a lot of work to do,” he said. “But together, we can make real change.”
Youth Action NSW is the main group representing young people and youth services in New South Wales. They work hard to support young people across the state.
