City of Ballarat Youth Awards (Australia)

In 2024, there are 10 nomination categories and all nominations are considered for two overall major award categories, Major Award 12–17 years old and Major Award 18–25 years old.

Award Categories and Criteria

• Personal Growth Award
  • The Personal Growth Award recognises a young person who has overcome personal challenges to achieve their goals. This young person may have used their barriers as a tool for personal growth, to help and inspire others or have made a valued and respected contribution to the community which resulted in a positive and supportive social and emotional environment.
• Group Project Award
  • The Group Project Award recognises a group of young people who have volunteered to develop or implement a project which has benefited the broader community. The group of young people could be from a school, a volunteer organisation, club or similar.
• Leadership in Sport & Recreation Award
  • This Award recognises a young person (as an individual or as part of a team) who has made a difference in their club, team, organisation or community. They have demonstrated values such as commitment, fairness, teamwork, cooperation and leadership in sport. This may include club volunteers, coaches, umpires, team members and players who go above and beyond.
• Positive Leader Award
  • This Award recognises a young person who fosters a positive sense of community. This person has shown leadership while working together with others in an encouraging and helpful way. They may have led youth initiatives or held positions of leadership in committees or groups.
• Compassion and Care Award
  • This Award recognises a young individual who demonstrates true compassion and care for others. This award acknowledges the outstanding contribution this individual had made to improve the lives of others, by demonstrating admirable qualities of empathy and kindness.
• Youth Volunteer Award
  • This Award recognises a young person who had made an outstanding effort to contribute to the community through volunteering. This person shows great dedication and commitment to the program(s) that they support. This person is positive a role model for others, and makes a positive impact in the community.
• Young Creative Award
  • This Award celebrates young creators, thinkers, innovators and trailblazers in the community. This person demonstrates creativity and ambition in areas such as their studies, hobbies or career. These areas could include the arts, science, technology or an individual who has a successful business or social enterprise.
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award
  • This Award recognises a young person who has contributed significantly to a fairer, more accessible community for all. This person is dedicated to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. This may include excellence in representing or advocating on behalf of communities such as LGBTIQA+, Disability, Indigenous, Multicultural or other diverse groups, improving workplace/schooling inclusion or a project that improves social connection and participation.
• Influential Adult – Volunteer
  • This Award recognises individuals 25 years and older, who have helped make a difference to young people in the community. This person leads by example, making a valuable contribution to others. The Influential Adult inspires young people and helps them to understand that anything is possible. This award is not for someone who is employed in the youth field.
• Influential Adult – Worker
  • This Award is open to those of 25 years and older. It aims to recognise the contribution made by a paid worker, who goes above and beyond their usual requirements by working with and supporting young people in the community. This person could be a youth worker, school counsellor, teacher or similar.
• 12 – 17 Major Award All nominees, aged 12-17 years are considered for this award
• 18 – 25 Major Award All nominees, aged 18-25 years are considered for this award

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to people aged 12-25, the awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of young people, as well as recognising influential adults who empower the youth and create opportunities for them to thrive.

For more information, visit City of Ballarat.