Recognising young change-makers

APPLICATIONS are open for the City of Ballarat’s youth awards which recognise outstanding young people aged twelve to twenty-five.

The awards are designed to celebrate young people’s achievements, and the adults who help them thrive.

Mahima Saramoncy is one of the youth volunteers organising the awards, from helping judge to designing the invitations.

“We get to pick the theme, the invitation layout, as volunteers we actually get full say on loads of aspects about the awards,” she said.

“That’s why we are more excited than ever to partake in it.”

Mahima said it is important to dispel that myth that young people are disengaged.

“If people actually took time to notice that even through social media and lots of aspects, young people are putting out the word about current events,” she said.

“Say mental health, everyone’s effected, but young people are the ones promoting safe mental health support.

“They are the ones who care the most because they are the ones who are going to be effected in the long run.”

Nominations are open until Sunday 16 June with the award ceremony scheduled for Friday 9 August.

There are 10 nomination categories, and all entrants are considered for two major awards.

There is one major award for people aged 12 to 17 and another for those aged 18 to 25.

“Many of our young people go above and beyond in our local community whether or not that’s in their own personal circumstances with some young people are primary caregivers or have parents who are sick and not able to do many basic things,” said mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“We also see young people very generous with their time in volunteerism and their active participation in sport and other areas of interest.

“To be able to showcase and shine a light on the wonderful things our young people are doing is very important.”

Cr Hudson said he hopes the awards encourage people to keep contributing to the community.

“What they are doing is valued and it’s that positive recognition,” he said.

“In a world where we are often so quick to be critical to people, to be able to offer an opportunity for public positive recognition is really important.”

To fill out the nomination form, visit the City of Ballarat website.