Hawthorn star Changkuoth Jiath has been recognised for his outstanding community work, winning the 2024 Tom Hafey Variety of the Heart Football Award.

The award, presented by Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria, is named in the honour of late AFL legend Tom Hafey, and recognises AFL and AFLW players who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and selflessness in their commitment to children.

Jiath was judged the winner of the award on the back of his impactful work with NextGen Unite, which is a dynamic, youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Sudanese Australians.

The 25-year-old’s involvement stems from his passion of fostering resilience, unity and a sense of belonging in South Sudanese young people which has seen him become a role model and mentor. 

Jiath was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and spent the first six years of his life living in the African nation, before his family moved to Dandenong and settled in Gippsland, among a large South Sudanese community. 

As part of his work with NextGen Unite, Jiath plays a key role in mentorship and guidance, skill development and community building through coaching and participating in various NextGen Unite events.

The participants have reaped the benefits through increased engagement and personal development, while the community has also seen a rise in the youth’s resilience and self-efficacy as a result of Jiath’s involvement. 

Through countless hours of selfless volunteering, the much-loved Hawk has showcased the value of the NextGen Unite program and its important fundraising efforts while also encouraging other South Sudanese leaders to give their time, adding to the positive impacts of Jiath’s involvement. 

Jiath’s role extends to advocating for the South Sudanese Australian community by amplifying their voices and needs, which he has done for a number of years since arriving at Hawthorn at the end of 2017. 

Hawthorn congratulates Jiath on his well-deserved award, which was presented to him at the Variety AFL Grand Final Lunch on Wednesday by Maureen Hafey OAM.