Nominations open for youth awards

IN a bid to encourage and acknowledge positive actions of younger residents of the Golden Plains community, the Shire is calling for nominations for the Mayoral Youth Program’s Community Impact Awards.

The council is looking for people aged 12 to 18 years who as volunteers have had a positive impact, either individually or in a group, on the community.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the awards program is a great opportunity to reward and inspire youth to be active community members through volunteering.

“The Community Impact Awards is all about recognising and celebrating the positive contributions young people make to our communities every day,” he said.

“There are many different ways our Shire’s youth can give back to the community.

“It can be as simple as helping an elderly neighbour walk their dog, joining a community tree planting event, participating in a youth group or helping repaint the local scout hall.”

Community groups who support and assist young people with their volunteering will also be recognised as part of the awards process.

According to data from the 2017 Mission Australia Youth Survey volunteer work ranks second behind sport in the top activities undertaken by Golden Plains’ young people.

Luke Getsom, the municipality’s 2019 young citizen of the year, said sometimes a simple act of kindness can changes someone’s day completely.

“Just by opening the door or giving someone a smile can have a massive impact on their life,” he said.

“Doing major things like fundraising or supporting a team can have a big impact on a wide array of people.”

For more information about the awards contact the Youth Development Team at 5220 7106 or email [email protected].

Nomination forms are available online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/mayoral-youth-program.

Hard copy forms are available at council’s Customer Service Centres located at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, 68 Sussex Street, Linton and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.