By ANEEKA SIMONIS
LILYDALE’S Matthew Calleja has proved that success comes in many different packages when he won the Victorian State Young Achiever of the Year 2014 award earlier this month.
The annual Victorian Young Achiever Awards, which this year was held at the Etihad Stadium on Friday 9 May, celebrates young people and their achievements toward improving their communities.
Matthew, 24, illustrates an inspiring case of unconventional, yet far-reaching accomplishment.
While still a teenager, Matthew left school in year 10 to start a mechanical apprenticeship.
Soon realising it was not for him, he began his own home business at age 17, providing high performance Australian car parts online.
His business, MRC Performance – Performance Parts and Fabrication, soon developed into a well-known performance shop in Lilydale employing six specialist staff who are now branching out with design services.
But Matthew is not just concerned with running a profit.
He also provides significant support to local charities, holding regular car events and barbecues at his factory to help raise funds for the local CFA.
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith presented Matthew with the overall award, noting the significant impact his and other young people’s contributions have on the community.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support these awards that remind us that through hard work, dedication and determination, anything can be achieved,” Mr Smith said.
More than 100 young Victorians were nominated for their outstanding contribution to the community.
The annual ceremony celebrated young, high-achievers from seven categories ranging from arts and science to volunteering and sustainability.
Not only did Matthew take out the overall achievement award at the inaugural state ceremony but he also took home the Victorian Government’s Small Business Achievement Award.
“The future of small business in Victoria is bright with the outstanding talent of rising young entrepreneurs nominated for this award,” Mr Smith said of Matthew’s business achievements.
Honouring his dedication to the community, he took home a total of $4000 along with a category and state trophy.
Each category winner took home $2000 and a trophy.
