Nominees test page - JNF Australia

Jesse Waller

Matt Gordon

Gabriel Jammy

Nufar Gofman

Bella Goodman

Geena Singer

Olivia Singer

Milla Wolman

Liorah Wearing

Speedy Shatari

Joel Kassel

Ronnie Yogev

Jesse Waller

Jesse is the CEO/Co-founder of InnerSteps together with his best friend and classmate at school, Matt Gordon. InnerSteps is an organisation that supports children’s mental health through custom, evidence-based storytelling. We provide personalised, accessible mental health support to children everywhere and in every language! They have recently won the awards for:

2024 Global E-Learning Platform of the Year (WCIT)
2024 Australian Education Solution of the Year (iAwards)
Runner up for best Community Organisation in Australia
Runner up for best in Business & Industry in Australia
Shortlisted for FORBES 30u30 (to be announced in October)
Chosen to represent Australia in 3 separate categories for the APAC Technology Awards (in December)
Funded almost $200 000 by the NSW Government, University of New South Wales & University of Sydney
11 other internationally recognised competitions nominations/wins

Jesse is incredibly passionate about making a difference in the mental health of young children, from our own Jewish community in Australia to those suffering in Israel after October 7th and in the wider world.

Matt Gordon

Emanuel School graduate (Class of 2020) Matt Gordon together with his best friend and classmate at school, Jesse Waller, have co-founded InnerSteps - an innovative mobile app that leverages artificial intelligence to craft personalised, clinical strategy-infused stories for children age 5 to 12 facing mental health challenges. This revolutionary platform makes mental health assistance universally accessible, stigma-free, and captivating for children around the world in every language. InnerSteps has won numerous awards this year:

2024 Global E-Learning Platform of the Year (WCIT)
2024 Australian Education Solution of the Year (iAwards)
Runner up for best Community Organisation in Australia
Runner up for best in Business & Industry in Australia
Shortlisted for FORBES 30u30 (to be announced in October)
Chosen to represent Australia in 3 separate categories for the APAC Technology Awards (in December)
Funded almost $200 000 by the NSW Government, University of New South Wales & University of Sydney
11 other internationally recognised competitions nominations/wins

Matt is in his final year at University of Sydney - Bachelor, Graphic Design and was featured recently in the "Tech&Innovation"section of the Australian Jewish News and is a Changemaker worthy of recognition. www.innersteps.org

Gabriel Jammy

Gabriel is working for Moving Forward Together, which was instigated by the B’nai B’rith Alfred Dreyfus Anti Defamation Unit as Part Time Office Administrator for the last 6 months. He is a very competent and dedicated person with a very good track record which includes, other office administration, band management, bookings, press releases , marketing campaigns, working at Maroubra Psychology, Band manager for ‘ Before the Kings’ , from 2014 to now. Gabriel is currently CEO and Booking Agent for Golden Hour Music. He books gigs, and creating strategies for multiple artists, establishing profitable and strong relations for them. He is dedicated to producing results. Gabriel has outstanding skills in customer service, festival curation, project management, social media and more. Gabriel has volunteered for South by Southwest conference and festivals, Byron Bay Bluesfest, Sydney Gig Guide, Habonim, UNSW Blitz Radio, Montefiore Home and Our Big Kitchen.

Nufar Gofman

Nufar is one of the founding Young Jewish Professionals Winter and Summer Retreat Committee Members. The YJP Retreat program started as a thrown-together getaway for young adults. With Nufar's initiative, an organised and productive Committee was born and has facilitated 3 growth on growth years of young adult getaways and impactful Shabbaton weekends away. When not assisting as a Committee Member at YJP, Nufar benefits the broader public in her dedicated career as a Solicitor at Consumer Action Law Centre (a NFP). In Nufar's role, she assists clients and community workers with their consumer, credit, insurance, and debt enforcement matters and humbly imparts her knowledge to the benefit of others day to day. All in all, Nufar's contribution to better the Jewish young adult community in her spare time and equally her dedication to being a helpful Australian to the broader public as her chosen career path is what makes Nufar a Changemaker worthy of recognition.

Bella Goodman

Bella’s journey through primary and high school has been marked by her unwavering commitment to leadership and community service, illustrating her dedication and passion across various aspects of her life. During her primary school years, she made a significant impact as a member of the leadership team. Bella naturally inspired and supported her peers, taking initiative and driving positive change within the school community. Her leadership extended beyond her immediate role, influencing various projects and activities that benefited the school. Her commitment to making a difference, whether through volunteering or advocating for causes within the school, highlighted her exceptional leadership qualities and her ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment. As Bella transitioned into high school, her involvement in JEMS showcased her strong foundation in Jewish education and community service. She continued this commitment by volunteering at JEMS shul services, dedicating her time and energy to support her community. Her participation in Our Big Kitchen towards the end of primary school and into high school further exemplified her dedication to service, engaging in meaningful work to support those in need. Bella’s early experiences reflect a consistent passion for community involvement and a deep commitment to her Jewish heritage. Bella’s vibrant and dedicated participation in Friendship Circle, an organisation that nurtures inclusive friendships between individuals with and without disabilities, is a testament to her character. She dedicates every second Sunday of the year and one week of each holiday season to attend day camps organised by Friendship Circle. As well as, through the Friends at Home program, where she builds meaningful friendships and bonds with a child she is paired with for the entire year, visiting them once a week during the school year. Bella’s commitment to fostering inclusivity is deeply personal, given her younger brother's disability. This experience has provided her with a profound understanding of the importance of ensuring everyone is included and valued. Her dedication extends beyond her direct involvement with the organisation; Bella inspires those around her to get involved, leading by example and encouraging others to contribute to the cause. Through her consistent presence and genuine compassion, Bella plays a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and supportive community where everyone’s unique abilities are celebrated. In addition to her work with Friendship Circle, Bella chose to volunteer at a Moriah preschool for her work experience last year, driven by her passion for giving back to the community and her love for helping others. At the preschool, she assisted with daily activities, supported the children’s learning, and took the opportunity to educate them about upcoming Jewish holidays. Bella’s commitment to nurturing young minds and her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage highlight her genuine care for both the children and her community. Moreover, Bella participated in the Hadracha program at her school, Moriah, where she embraced leadership with enthusiasm and dedication. The program taught her that effective leadership involves more than taking charge; it includes listening, problem-solving, and setting a positive example. Bella developed key skills in clear communication, motivation, and handling challenges gracefully, learning the importance of being a role model who inspires through actions. Since then, she has embodied these principles, consistently demonstrating her leadership abilities by supporting various school activities and mentoring peers. Bella’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment reflects the valuable lessons she gained from the Hadracha program. Bella’s journey highlights her deep commitment and passion for making a difference. Through her contributions to the Jewish community, her efforts in promoting inclusivity, and her dedication to service and leadership. Bella’s ongoing dedication to creating positive change not only impacts her community but also motivates those around her to strive for meaningful progress.

Geena Singer

Geena is an empathetic, kind-hearted, and authentic student at Moriah College, who leverages her skills to make a meaningful impact on the Jewish community and beyond. Currently involved in numerous volunteer organisations, Geena's most significant commitment is to Friendship Circle, where she supports and assists younger children with varying disabilities. Her involvement ranges from volunteering at the Friendship Circle bakery, participating in the annual walks, and assisting on their camps. The joy, fulfillment, and sense of companionship that Geena experiences through her work are immeasurable. For her, giving back to individuals who deserve so much love and support is not just an act of kindness, it's a source of deep personal meaning. Geena’s dedication to helping others extends beyond Friendship Circle. Since the age of eight, she has been actively involved with Our Big Kitchen, where she helps prepare meals for the homeless in Sydney. Whether it's cleaning, washing, or chopping vegetables, Geena is committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Her unwavering sense of responsibility to her community reflects a spirit of generosity and service that continues to grow with each year of involvement. Geena has a profound connection to Judaism and serves as a Prayer Leader at Moriah College, where she creates an engaging and supportive environment for individuals to explore and deepen their own connection to God and themselves. Her enthusiasm, ruach (spirit), and genuine love for Judaism inspire her students to develop the skills and knowledge essential for ensuring Jewish continuity. At a time when fostering strong Jewish identity is especially critical, Geena’s contributions to the school environment play a vital role in nurturing a vibrant, growing Jewish community and laying the foundation for a peaceful and inclusive society. Her involvement with JEMS further amplifies this effort, as she provides young children the opportunity to learn Jewish traditions and customs in a meaningful way. In addition to her commitment to Judaism, Geena has a deep passion for sports, excelling in a variety of athletic pursuits such as tennis, netball, and running. However, basketball holds a special place in her heart. Over the past five years, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the sport, earning colour awards and securing a spot on the 1st Moriah Basketball Team. Her commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and ensuring she never lets her team down is a testament to her strong work ethic and unwavering determination to succeed, both on and off the court.

Olivia Singer

Olivia participated in Moriah Colleges Prayer leading Program, working with younger groups to foster their spiritual development, aiming to help cultivate a deeper understanding of their faith and develop a more meaningful spiritual connection. Olivia’s commitment extends through her volunteer work with the Friendship Circle, through engaging in various activities design to foster inclusivity and provide companionship. Moreover, Olivia’s involvement in JEMS includes assisting primary school children with learning a new language, creating an encouraging learning environment where children feel motivated and confidence in their language acquisition and take those new skills and use them in real life. Olivia also participated in peer support programs, through structured one-on-one sessions, Olivia helps individuals navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. By actively engaging with individuals and providing meaningful assistance – whether through helping special needs families, guiding children in language learning, or leading spiritual development programs – Olivia demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility and compassion. Her contributions not only enrich the lives of those she serves but also inspire other to contribute positively to their communities.

Milla Wolman

Milla is the 2024 Winner of the International Mikolot public speaking competition on the topic “Never Again Is Now”. She is an outstanding young change maker and Jewish voice of the future. Born with no heartbeat, after being resuscitated for 10 minutes, Milla was never meant to walk or talk. She lives with Cerebral Palsy and meets her daily challenges with a zest for life, positivity and a desire to make a change in the lives of people living with disabilities and differences promoting resilience, kindness and inclusion. Despite being unable to speak clearly or write by using her hands properly, Milla has been determined enough to get through mainstream school with an aide by her side. Milla is a powerful speech writer and orator who uses her voice to demonstrate resilience, inclusion and advice for diversity and disability. She has won the “Young Communicators Award” 3 times in a row and has now gone on to win the international Mikolot competition. As she deals with the daily challenges of living with a disability, having to contend with a very difficult and not inclusive school environment she has demonstrated ongoing grit and has risen to become an important voice on diversity and acceptance in our community. As a young child Milla raised funds for Variety Childrens charity appearing on their billboard campaign. She also was the face of the Gloria Jeans initiative to bring awareness to disability. She was a strong voice with her slam poetry in advocating for a Paralympic swimmer: This video reached Becca Myers who contacted Milla directly to say: “no one has ever advocated for me in such a powerful way”. She has advocated for disability and mental health by being an ambassador for One&All hub- a holistic hub for mixed abilities. Milla used to participate at Friendship Circle and is now a volunteer, supporting young kids with disabilities. At age 17, in year 11 at Moriah, she is a youth leader at Habonim Youth Movement and continues to rally for more Torah values to be incorporated into all programs and school ethos. Milla was the guest speaker at Remember the Yom as well as asked to speak for Israel. After delivering a powerful speech for Rescue and Resilience program in Israel, she received a standing ovation with not a dry eye in the house, her message of resilience and compassion touched every listener. Milla’s advocacy extends beyond public speaking. From fundraising for Variety Children’s Charity and becoming the face of the Gloria Jeans initiative to raising awareness about disabilities, her contributions have been impactful. She also received the Principal’s Award at Mt Sinai College, a rare honor recognizing her resilience and positivity. Milla is a beacon of hope and encouragement for future leaders.

Liorah Wearing

Liorah is a highly talented and dedicated professional DJ, bringing joy and energy to communal events, especially Bat Mitzvahs, where her music and charisma uplift the spirits of all attendees. Her ability to create memorable experiences through her art has made her a beloved figure in the community. Liorah participates in and supports community events, not only performing but also contributing to the event's overall success through planning, organization, or other roles. In addition to her musical talent, Liorah contributes to the success of an event by taking on multiple roles, such as event coordination, emceeing, or helping with logistics. She is dedicated to delivering not just good performances but memorable, transformative experiences that leave a lasting impression on their audiences. Beyond her work as a DJ, Liorah takes on various roles at communal events, demonstrating her commitment to serving others. Her versatility and willingness to go above and beyond showcase her leadership and selflessness. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Liorah is a dedicated volunteer at Thread Together, where she contributes her time and effort to help those in need, further highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact. Liorah’s enthusiasm, dedication, and unwavering desire to bring happiness and support to others make her an outstanding candidate for this award. She is not only a changemaker in the professional sphere where she recently played at the 2024 Loggie Awards, but also a role model for her peers, making her truly deserving of this recognition.

Speedy Shatari

Speedy is a true testament to the profound impact that passionate and dedicated individuals can have within their communities. From a young age, Speedy has embodied the values of leadership and service, consistently volunteering within the Jewish community and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusion. Speedy's journey began as a BJE madricha, where their leadership skills first emerged. From there, they became deeply involved in JNFuture NSW and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Social Justice Committee, actively shaping programs that foster engagement and connection among young Jewish adults. Through these roles, Speedy honed their skills in community-building and advocacy, growing into a respected leader within the next generation of changemakers. Their passion for social justice and equality has driven them to take on increasingly impactful roles. As the General Manager of Programs for Stand-Up NSW, the only Jewish organization in Australia that focuses on empowering vulnerable non-Jewish communities, Speedy has proven their dedication to tikkun olam—repairing the world. Their work is a shining example of how Jewish values can inspire broader societal change, bridging communities and uplifting those most in need. In addition to their work with Stand-Up NSW, Speedy is also the founder of Speedy Speaking, a platform dedicated to LGBTQ+ empowerment and advocacy. Through this initiative, Speedy inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and works tirelessly to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all. Whether guiding small community groups or consulting with large-scale organizations, Speedy’s influence in promoting inclusivity is profound. Their ability to engage young Jewish adults around the values of tikkun olam, while simultaneously advocating for marginalized communities and creating inclusive environments, makes Speedy an exemplary candidate for this award. Their leadership, passion, and vision have left an indelible mark on the Jewish and broader communities alike, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Speedy’s dedication and accomplishments truly reflect the spirit of a changemaker, and their impact continues to inspire those around them. I wholeheartedly nominate Speedy for this well-deserved recognition.

Joel Kassel

Joel consistently goes above and beyond, selflessly contributing his time and skills to support multiple causes. He has provided valuable services, including DJing performances, audio/visual production work, and general event setup, helping ensure the smooth operation of countless community events. Joel is a dedicated supporter of local events, promoting, attending, and enhancing the community spirit wherever he goes. His volunteer efforts extend across numerous organizations, including Nefesh, the Jewish National Fund of NSW, DJ Solutions, Chabad Youth, and Magen David Adom. Joel’s commitment to these causes exemplifies his selflessness and passion for uplifting others. His enthusiasm, technical expertise, and tireless support have left a lasting impact on the community. Joel's work not only enhances the events themselves but fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among all those involved. He actively helps link organisations such as Nefesh and Kayemet (Bina) with young adults interested in learning about spiritual growth and mindfulness. Joel is a deserving candidate for recognition as a Changemaker. His contributions have truly made a difference, and he continues to be a shining example of selfless service.

Ronnie Yogev

Ronnie has taken on an active role in JNFuture and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to strengthening Jewish engagement among the next generation, while fostering a deeper connection to the Jewish National Fund (JNF) and Israel. Ronnie’s passion for connecting young adults to their Jewish identity and heritage is palpable. The committee is developing innovative programs and events that inspire young adults to explore their Jewish roots and contribute to the community. Ronnie believes in creating a space where all young adults, regardless of background or level of Jewish involvement, can come together and form meaningful connections to JNF and Israel. She is now participating it the World Zionist Leadership Academy which reflects her commitment to enriching her knowledge and skills so that she can embody her leadership role to the fullest. Her ability to inspire action and commitment in others is a testament to her dedication as a changemaker. Through her efforts, the next generation is becoming more deeply connected to their Jewish identity and to Israel, ensuring a vibrant future for both.

Jesse Waller

Matt Gordon

Gabriel Jammy

Nufar Gofman

Bella Goodman

Geena Singer

Olivia Singer

Milla Wolman

Liorah Wearing

Speedy Shatari

Joel Kassel

Ronnie Yogev

Jesse Waller

Matt Gordon

Gabriel Jammy

Nufar Gofman

Bella Goodman

Geena Singer

Olivia Singer

Milla Wolman

Liorah Wearing

Speedy Shatari

Joel Kassel

Ronnie Yogev

Joshua Levi Young Professional Award

Young Adult Volunteer 18-36

Young Volunteer Under 18