Community members are invited to nominate young people, aged 12 to 25, for Yarra Ranges Council’s annual Celebrating YOUth Awards.
The Awards, which will be held in November, celebrate young people living, working or studying in the Yarra Ranges who have made a positive difference to the Yarra Ranges community. Big or small all contributions are welcome under the categories: passionate advocate, young entrepreneur, resilience and perseverance, school and community, and arts and culture.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, encourages community members to think of inspirational young people in their lives, and nominate them for an award.
“Every year, we get the opportunity to celebrate passionate, driven, resilient, artistic young people in the Yarra Ranges – a night dedicated to giving young people the recognition they deserve,” Cr Child said.
“We have so many young adults doing incredible things in their communities, schools and local groups, whose work can often go unrecognised.
“These awards are a way of saying thanks, showing appreciation, and encouraging them to continue on their path.
“All nominees are invited to the awards event, and an award like this can help encourage them to keep working towards their goals – or to get their foot in the door of a bigger opportunity.”
Cr Child said no matter a young person’s field of expertise or passion, there would be an award category to fit into.
“Last year, we had winners who fundraised for their schools; we had people who made community spaces inclusive; we celebrated groups who made the Yarra Ranges better for LGBTQIA+ youth; we gave awards to people who helped run music events or who strived in academia,” Cr Child said.
“All it takes is five minutes to open up the form, tell us why you think this young person is amazing, and submit.
“The biggest criteria we’re looking for is that you think this young person is worthy of recognition – so visit yarranges.vic.gov.au/YouthAwards and tell us about someone brilliant in your community.”
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Youth Development Officers Jayde or Sophie at youth@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or call 1300 368 333
Nominations are open until 31 October.