Youth justice advocate, community leader and Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation graduate researcher Abraham Kuol has been named the Victorian finalist for Young Australian of the Year.

Abraham’s research looks at risk and protective factors for African youth crime in Australia, with a strong focus on identifying protective factors that lead to pathways out of offending. This year he was part of the Deakin launch of Australia’s first African-Australian and Pasifika legal and justice professional network.

Abraham devotes his time to mentoring young people, running sports programs and building community ties – all while studying for a PhD in Criminology at the Institute, where his research is having a real-world impact.

He was selected from a field of four nominees – including fellow Deakin research student Tim Harte – to take home the Victorian honour. Abraham will now go up against finalists from Australia’s other states and territories for the national award on 25 January 2026.

Off campus, Abraham’s achievements are even more impressive. Abraham co-founded a soccer and basketball club to help mentor at-risk youth, he is a director at a football club where he creates sporting pathways for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and he has helped raise over $3.5 million for programs to support African-Australian families and youth in the justice system.

‘Being nominated for this award is incredibly humbling. It’s a reminder that the work we do in community and research spaces really does make a difference, and it motivates me to keep pushing for better outcomes for young people,’ Abraham said.

‘My PhD and research at Deakin have been instrumental in shaping my journey, giving me the tools, evidence, and platform to turn lived experience and community insight into real social impact.’

The Institute is incredibly proud of Abraham’s achievement and ongoing contribution to the community.