They aim to recognise and celebrate young people who have made and/or are currently making significant contributions in the areas of leadership, community work, personal care for others, social justice, sport and the arts.
Nominations are now closed for 2019, and the ceremony was held June 7.
Award winners will receive a personal trophy and a $500 contribution to support their ongoing interests and education.
Nomination categories
All Awards are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 years who live, work, learn or play in the City of Greater Geelong.
Arts and music
This category recognises a young person who has demonstrated hard work, creativity and passion in their art.
Nominees may have demonstrated:
- the ability to inspire others in a positive way through their art
- advocacy or raising awareness of issues affecting others through their art
- a contribution to the community through their art.
Clever and creative
By 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive, and cares for its people and environment. Read more about our vision.
Nominees may have demonstrated 'A Clever and Creative Future' working on at least one of these community-led aspirations:
- A prosperous economy that supports jobs and education opportunities
- A leader in developing and adopting technology
- Creativity drives culture
- A fast, reliable and connected transport network
- A destination that attracts local and international visitors
- People feel safe wherever they are
- An inclusive, diverse, healthy and socially connected community
- Sustainable development that supports population growth and protects the natural environment
- Development and implementation of sustainable solutions.
Community citizenship
This category recognises a young person who has encouraged or shown dedication to others.
Nominees may have demonstrated:
- inspirational traits or actions that have positively contributed to the community
- courage or quick thinking that helped another person
- inspiring others in their community to achieve their goals and succeed
- clever and Creative action that benefits vulnerable people in our community.
Leadership/positive role model
This category recognises a young person who has demonstrated leadership within their community through school, work or other pursuits/contributions and is regarded by others as a good example to follow.
Nominees may have demonstrated:
- a commitment to improving the quality or skills of another person, group or community
- respectful and positive behaviour/attitudes which guide or inspire others
- helpful behaviour towards others which has served as an example of positive behaviour
- a positive impact by volunteering or getting involved in various activities aimed at improving their community.
Social justice (advocacy)
This category recognises the effort of a young person who promote a positive image of young people in schools, clubs and the wider community.
Nominees may have demonstrated:
- contributing to their community through raising money, donations or in some other way
- raising awareness on a specific issue
- outstanding effort by participating in or organising local awareness raising activities, inspiring others to respect and celebrate diversity
- a commitment to improving the lives of others from diverse back grounds in the community.
Sport
This category recognises a young person’s contribution and achievement in the field of sport and recreation.
Nominees may have demonstrated:
- being a good sportsperson or encouraging others to participate
- a commitment and dedication to their local club or chosen sport
- going above and beyond for your club in a volunteering capacity
- level of contribution – local, state, national/international.
Young carer
This award recognises and celebrates a person aged under 25 years old who performs unpaid care in our community and acknowledges the extraordinary contribution they make.
Nominees may provide care in the following areas:
- foster or kinship care
- aged care
- disability care or support
- palliative care
- community care.