City of Ballarat launches Youth Awards in Australia

Deadline: 6 June 2025

The City of Ballarat Youth Awards provides the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their city’s outstanding young people aged 12-25.

Young people across Ballarat are making a positive impact every day. The Ballarat Youth Awards, returning in August 2025, will celebrate their contributions and achievements. The Ballarat Youth Awards have recognised the leadership, creativity, kindness, and dedication of young people aged 12-25, as well as the influential adults who support them.

Planned and managed by Young Eventsters, a volunteer group of young people passionate about event planning, the awards are an annual highlight for the city’s youth.

Theme

This year’s theme, ‘Ignite the Spark’, reflects the power young people have to inspire change.

Categories

Personal Growth Award
- This award celebrates a young person who has faced personal challenges and worked hard to achieve their goals. They may have overcome obstacles or personal setbacks and have grown stronger because of them. They might also use their experiences to inspire others, support their community, or encourage positive change.
Group Project Award
- This award recognises a team of young people who have come together to plan and deliver a project, event, or service that benefits others. The group could be from a school, volunteer organisation, club, or just a group of friends with a shared goal. Their project should show teamwork, leadership, and a positive impact on their community.
Leadership in Sport & Recreation Award
- This award highlights a young person or team who has made a real difference in their club, organisation, or community through sport or recreation. They might be a player, coach, umpire, or club volunteer who leads by example. They show commitment, teamwork, fairness, and support for others, helping to create a positive and inclusive sporting environment.
Positive Leader Award
- This award recognises a young person who demonstrates leadership in their own unique way. Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about stepping up, supporting others, and making a difference. This could be through taking action on important issues, supporting family members, being a great teammate, striving towards big goals, or holding a leadership role at school, work, or in the community. Whether they lead through their actions, words, or ability to bring people together, this young person shows commitment, determination, and a positive influence on those around them.
Compassion and Care Award
- This award recognises a young person who shows kindness, compassion, and a deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive community. They actively promote acceptance, respect, and equality, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety. Through their actions, they help bring people together, fostering inclusion and togetherness. Whether they support individuals facing challenges, advocate for inclusion, or create opportunities for others to reach their potential, they make a real difference in the lives of those around them.
Youth Volunteer Award
- This award recognises a young person who makes an outstanding contribution to their community through volunteering. Whether they dedicate their time to a charity, mentor or support others, help out at local events, assist in sports clubs, take on environmental projects, or advocate for important causes, they show commitment and passion. This person is a role model who makes a real impact, inspiring others through their generosity, dedication, and willingness to give back
Young Creative Award
- This award celebrates young creators, thinkers, and innovators who use their creativity to express themselves or solve problems. They might be involved in art, music, film, writing, technology, science, or even run a business or social enterprise. Their work shows originality, passion, and a drive to make an impact in their chosen field.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award
- This award recognises a young person who is making the world fairer and more inclusive. They might advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights, disability access, Indigenous culture, multicultural communities, or any group that faces barriers. Their work could involve improving inclusion at school or work, running awareness campaigns, or creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
Influential Adult – Volunteer
- This award is for an adult (25 years or older) who volunteers their time to support and inspire young people. They might be a mentor, coach, or community leader who goes above and beyond to help young people succeed. They lead by example, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to those they support. This award is for unpaid volunteers, not those in paid youth work roles.
Influential Adult – Worker
- This award is for a professional (25 years or older) who works with young people and goes the extra mile to support and empower them. They could be a youth worker, teacher, counsellor, or someone else who makes a real difference. Through their work, they create opportunities, provide guidance, and help young people reach their potential.