Shining a light on our youth

THE young people of Bendigo can now have their contributions and accomplishments recognised through a new City of Greater Bendigo youth awards program.

Announced last week, the Greater Bendigo Youth Awards have been developed with input from the city’s youth council and are aimed at people aged between 12 and 25 who live, work and study in the region.

They are a key action of the Greater Bendigo Youth Action Plan 2023-2024.

Skills and accomplishments of young people will be recognised in six award categories; creativity and innovation, contribution to the community, excellence in leadership, teamwork and collaboration, sustainability and environment, and inclusion and equity.

Greater Bendigo youth mayor Lilly Correll said the awards program provides a great opportunity for young people to be recognised for their contributions.

“The different categories of the awards means there is something for everyone,” she said. “No contribution is too big or too small to make a difference to our community.

“I encourage all young people to apply for the youth awards and to be proud of the positive changes they have made in our city.”

Nominations can be submitted until 30 September at yobendigo.com.au/youth-awards.

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on 22 November. Nominations may also be considered for the 2025 City of Greater Bendigo Young Citizen of the Year Award.