Comedic Cavanagh hosting awards

IT’S almost time to roll out the red carpet for the virtual City of Ballarat Youth Awards.

From 7pm on Friday, 26 November, the event will celebrate and showcase the outstanding achievements and talents of the community’s young people aged 12 to 25.

Viewers can tune into the livestream on the Ballarat Youth Services Facebook page, with formalities hosted by up-and-coming comedian Ethan Cavanagh, and original musical items from emerging local performing artists Gemma Foord, Sofie Brouwers-Morrison, and Peryton.

“We’re trying to give it as much Oscars fanfare and ceremony as we can,” Cavanagh said.

“After the last couple of years, we can’t have an in-person event, but I’m still going to be dressed up in my tux, there’s glitter, the velvet curtains, and we’ve done everything we can to make a real night of it.

“People at home will still feel like it’s a special evening, and a bit of a moment for them.”

Currently in his early-20s, Cavanagh first connected with BYS as a Ballarat Grammar senior student when he featured in an article on young people having an impact in the community.

“That 15 minutes of fame was a big factor for me in pursuing the performing arts, and having some early validation that people were seeing and appreciating what I was doing,” he said.

“Often young people don’t get a lot of recognition or credit for the initiative they take, so to be on the other side now, and a part of this program that recognises people doing some really awesome stuff is fantastic.

“It’s important these young people get the airtime they deserve, as many eyes and ears as possible on their projects, and gain some more momentum that way.”

Having performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, at the Arts Centre Melbourne, on Channel 31 and ABC TV, Cavanagh said the Youth Awards production process has been a supportive and enjoyable experience.

“Ballarat Youth Services are a really dedicated and passionate team. The Awards night couldn’t be in better hands, and I can’t wait to see it all come together on the 26th,” he said.