Winners were announced on Tuesday night, November 14, at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
Though Mr Sheridan didn’t come home with a big win, he says he’s already planned how to make Gnarly Neighbours positively impact the community in a significant way.
“I really wanna be on the ground and helping as many people as I can,” he said.
“I know my charisma and stuff plays a massive part in that... the heart that I put into it.”
“I’ve already got plans to grow Gnarly Neighbours greater and bigger, so it’s exciting.”
Gnarly Neighbours describes itself as a not-for-profit youth group based in Seymour, with a focus on creating a positive space for young people from all socio-economic backgrounds.
Mr Sheridan said being surrounded by inspirational people on the awards night was surreal.
“I’m just doing what I love,” he said.
“To even be nominated and put on a pedestal for the work I do, I never thought I’d be there.”
“I was very, very stoked, but also in a bit of a disbelief at the same time.”
He said the nomination fulfilling, but he couldn’t have done it on his own.
“I think it’s hugely owed to the community for helping it become a reality, not just for myself,” Mr Sheridan said.
“I’m doing what I love, and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
“It’s a good win-win on every side,”
Now, Mr Sheridan is working on getting government funding to grow Gnarly Neighbours’ programs not just in Seymour but also in Bendigo and Shepparton.
Gnarly Neighbours would also like to partner with schools in town and neighbouring areas.
“We want to just really focus on the mental health, physical activity and social incursion side of things,” he said.
“Also building data for early prevention and a long-lasting change.”
