Youth Week Launch of National Youth Awards
9 April 2013 at 9:38 am
The Federal Government has kicked off National Youth Week with an opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of young Australians.
The Government announced the first National Youth Awards to be held in August to recognise and celebrate young people as well as promote the important contribution they make to the nation.
Minister for Youth Peter Garrett said young people are one of the most important assets any nation has.
"These new National Youth Awards aim to recognise the dedication young people have and how they are making a difference in their communities. Importantly, these awards will be designed by young Australians for their peers,” Garrett said.
The Australian Government Office for Youth will consult with the National Planning Group and other young Australians to gather feedback and ideas about how the awards should be run.
Applications will open during May with categories and further information released following consultation.
The Planning Group is made up of young people from every state and territory, including an Australian Government representative and an Australian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative.
All 10 members have been working with their local youth groups and councils to promote this year’s National Youth Week and will now help to plan the awards.
"This year’s theme—Be active. Be happy. Be you.—encourages all young people to realise the future is theirs to shape,” Garrett said.
National Youth Week is a joint Australian, state, territory and local government initiative and the nation’s biggest celebration of young people, which has been held annually since 2000 and will run this year from April 5 to 14.
For more information on National Youth Week events and activities in your local area visit: www.youthweek.com.au.
2013 National Youth Week National Planning Group Young Members:
Stephanie Raike (Australian Government representative)
Nathan Kropinyeri (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander representative)
Daniel Ergas (ACT)
Kayla Lochner (NSW)
Cosmin Ghebosu (QLD)
Chris Edwards (TAS)
Jessica Lintvelt (SA)
Francesca Noakes (WA)
Mel Jeffery (VIC)
Kenneth Kadirgamar (NT)
