A 17-year-old school student who experienced homelessness, lived in 25 different homes and slept in cars, garages and on park benches has been named the 2026 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year.

Prem Kultonik, who also slept at school and sometimes missed classes to work and support himself, has turned his experiences of hardship into a program to help other disadvantaged young people.

After moving into stable housing two years ago, Prem developed The Extra Ordinary Life, a 16-hour youth development program designed to help young people build resilience, strengthen their identity, develop connections and find purpose.

The program focuses on mental health and personal development, drawing on Prem’s experiences of homelessness and disadvantage.

“I have a lot of grit and determination, sure, but also a community that has really taken care of me,” Prem said.

“When you’re stuck being a label you don’t really get to be you.

“I went from being a homeless kid to having a loving family.”

The annual Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and groups aged 12 to 25 who have made significant contributions to the ACT community.

Other winners:

• Young Achiever Award: Ava Jazayeri, 17, who founded Recycle for Sight, collecting more than 280 pairs of prescription glasses for disadvantaged communities. She was inspired by her great-grandmother, who lost her sight as a teenager.

• Personal Achievement Award: Sophia Kesina, 19, who has cared for three siblings with disability, worked since she was 15 and achieved an ATAR of 93.65. She is studying occupational therapy at the University of Canberra and advocates for young carers.

• Environment and Sustainability Award: ANU Intrepid Landcare, a youth-led environmental group whose volunteers have contributed thousands of hours to conservation, including planting 973 trees and shrubs for its Glossy Black Cockatoo Project.

• Arts and Multimedia Award: Mihini Ramasundara, 12, whose artwork made from natural materials has been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery and Belco Arts Centre. She has also donated works to raise money for charity.

• Group Achievement Award: Branch Venturer Council – Scouts ACT, recognised for initiatives involving diversity, respect and consent, reconciliation and environmental responsibility.

Highly commended nominees included Sonali Varma, Laura Prince, Mya Sherwood, Shannon Peters, Aoibhinn Crimmins and Charlie Thomson.

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