NOMINATIONS for the City of Ballarat 2019 Youth Awards are now open, kicked off by ambassadors Sam Griffin, owner of Griffin Burger and Triple J presenter Bridget Hustwaite.<\/p>\n
Mr Griffin and Ms Hustwaite encouraged the community to celebrate and nominate Ballarat\u2019s outstanding youth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am stoked to be an ambassador for this years\u2019 awards,\u201d Mr Griffin said. \u201cJust getting nominated all those years ago was such a thrill for me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t finish high school or get a degree, so getting nominated was a recognition and acceptance that what I was doing was ok.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputy Mayor Cr Jim Rinaldi said Ms Hustwaite and Mr Griffin are positive, influential role models because of their courage, passion and determination to achieve great things.<\/p>\n
Cr Rinaldi officially opened the Award nominations, praising the efforts of the Youth Council volunteers who contribute their time planning and delivering the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe determination and energy these young people put into organising the Awards is inspiring,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Youth Awards highlight and commend young achievers, aged 12 to 25, who contribute to the city through sporting clubs, volunteering, playing music, developing artwork, student leadership initiatives, youth groups, religious groups and environmental activities.<\/p>\n