Celebrate Geelong’s youth through awards

NOMINATIONS for this year’s Geelong Youth Awards have opened, as the city gears up for a celebration of its outstanding young people.

The awards are an initiative of the City of Greater Geelong and its Youth Council, and aim to recognise the region’s youth, aged between 12 and 25, for their significant contributions to the community.

“I encourage everyone to consider a remarkable young person who steps up to make a difference and nominate them to celebrate their accomplishments,” mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“Nominating someone for a Youth Award is just one way in which we can show our appreciation and encourage them to continue making a positive contribution in our community.”

There are eight different awards up of grabs for the region’s young people, spanning categories such as leadership, innovation and cultural awareness. They are:

• Active Achievement Award, which recognises a young person whose involvement in sport and recreation has had a positive impact on the community
• Arts & Music Award, which recognises a young person who has demonstrated hard work, creativity and passion in, and community engagement through, their art
• Citizenship Award, which recognises a young person whose community involvement and dedication empowers others
• Cultural Awareness Award, which recognises a young person whose actions contribute to a vibrant and diverse cultural community
• Innovation Award, which recognises a young person whose inventions or initiatives have made a significant impact
• Inspiration Award, which recognises a young person who can be described as an inspiration for others
• Leadership Award, which recognises a young person who has demonstrated leadership within their community and is regarded as a good role model, and
• Unsung Hero Award, which recognises a young person with a positive attitude who is making a difference but not in a way that would usually get them recognition.

Community members of any age can also be nominated for the Volunteer Award, which recognises any person who works on a voluntary basis with young people.

“The young people recognised by the Youth Awards have not only made a positive impact on the community, they also inspire a future generation of changemakers,” Cr Sullivan said.

“We’re proud of the outstanding efforts that our region’s young people are making to help build a vibrant, clever and creative city.”

The city’s Youth Council will participate on the award judging panel.

Junior mayor Hteemoo Yohellaymusaw said it was an honour to be involved in recognising and celebrating fellow young people.

“Their achievements and selfless efforts are inspirational and contribute so much to our community.

“It’s important to recognise the great work that is being done to help create a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone.”

Nominations will remain open until Sunday, May 12, with this year’s winners announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, June 28.

The winners in each category will receive a trophy and $500 to support their ongoing interests and education.

To make a nomination, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/youthawards