Awards to mark youthful achievers

YOUNG people are set to sparkle and shine on stage at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts next Friday night during the City of Ballarat Youth Awards ceremony.

There are 10 awards categories to celebrate exceptional 12 to 25-year-old people who are aiming high and working to better their community.

One of the honours on the program is the young creative gong, which 18-year-old music producer, and Ballarat Grammar student, Jorell Mobbs is nominated for.

Following performances and an exhibit in the Top Designs, Top Class Sound, and Top Acts programs as part of the State’s VCE Season of Excellence, Mobbs said he was grateful for further exposure.

“I’m thrilled,” he said. “Regardless of whether I win, this is validation for the work I’ve put in, and the sort of recognition that can propel me forward.

“I’m super keen for the Ballarat Youth Awards. I’ll be there.”

Mobbs said the ceremony will provide another opportunity for local audiences to discover his songs including single Every Time, which he releases under the name of JORELL.

“It means a lot to me,” he said.

Y Ballarat youth impact lead Asha Buckmaster is up for the influential adult – worker award.

She is no stranger to the night of celebration as a champion of the city’s young people, and a previous nominee.

“The real honour in being nominated for a youth award is knowing someone has seen this advertised, and their instant thought is you,” she said.

“When the call-out is made to say, ‘who’s fabulous?’ someone not only thinks of you as that person but takes the time and energy to submit a nomination.

“It’s always such a wonderful event, and I’ve been to many over the years. It’s so fantastic to hear about the amazing things young people are doing locally.

“We will celebrate hard for the winners, but it’s also really important to recognise the value in simply being nominated. Sometimes we forget to platform really positive stories from young people.”

Other awards categories will highlight positive leadership, equity, diversity and inclusion, group projects, compassion and care, adult volunteers, sports and recreational leadership, personal growth, and youth volunteers.

The City of Ballarat Youth Awards are set for Friday 11 August at 7pm at the WCPA. Tickets are free, but registrations are required at bit.ly/2023youthawardstickets as seats are limited.

The event is coordinated by youth volunteers with support from Ballarat Youth Services staff, and it will be AUSLAN interpreted.