Published on 17 February 2023
Nominations now open for Youth Recognition Awards
Nominations are now open for the City of Onkaparinga’s Youth Recognition Awards 2023.
The annual awards recognise the inspiring talent, hard work and achievements of local young people aged eight to 25.
As Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were told the Fleurieu Sun, “Onkaparinga's youth are our future community leaders, scientists, teachers, artists, employers, entrepreneurs and change makers, so it's imperative we support them and include them in conversations about our future.
“We think it's vital to recognise, celebrate and honour our young people – helping to inspire them and open pathways.”
There are four awards for young people aged eight to 25 years and one youth worker award:
Learning Success: Young people who have achieved significant academic success whether it’s ‘getting the grade’, mentoring other young people to do so or showcasing excellence in learning new skills.
Contribution to Community: Young people who give extra time back to community groups, schools and other programs that benefit the people of Onkaparinga.
Personal Achievement: Young people who have overcome adversity and challenges and shown resilience through personal hardship.
Business, Employment and Social Enterprise: Young people who have turned their ideas into business and social enterprise or who have worked hard to secure employment.
Onkaparinga Youth Worker of the Year: People of any age who work with young people in the Onkaparinga area across any sector, such as policing, child protection, health, education, social welfare, youth work and youth services.
Joshua Stokes, Community Development Youth Coordinator at the City of Onkaparinga, says the great thing about the awards is the diverse mix of nominations that are received.
“We receive nominations ranging from young musicians hosting music events to one of last year’s winners who started a small business by baking and delivering brownies during COVID-19,” he says.
“Anyone can nominate a person in the four youth categories, and we especially encourage young people to nominate their peers. It only takes five minutes online.”
Callum Barrott-Walsh was recognised for his contributions to the community in 2022. He says the awards empower young people to be active, engaged and informed citizens of the world.
“The awards celebrate a vibrant community of diverse young people who are making the world a better place one action at a time,” he says. “They also help young people come together as one community to support each other.”
The awards are organised by the Onkaparinga Youth Committee and are part of the City of Onkaparinga’s SA Youth Week celebrations.
A Youth Recognition Awards Art Competition accompanies the awards. Artists aged from 8 to 25 years are invited to submit entries.
Selected entries will be showcased at the awards ceremony to be held in late March. The winner will also get the opportunity to showcase their talents at an exhibition during the SALA Festival 2023 and be mentored by Youth Arts Officer Carly Snoswell as part of the SALA Mentorship Program.
Nominations close Wednesday 1 March 2023 at 5pm. To learn more or nominate, go online at Youth Recognition Awards 2023.
For more information, please contact Joshua Stokes at joshua.stokes@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au.