The City of Sydney has introduced three new awards to recognise the achievements of young people and youth projects across Sydney.
The annual Betty Makin Youth Awards recognise young individuals and groups who have excelled in educational, vocational and community projects over the last year.
The City is calling for nominations for the new awards for a person or organisation making a difference to the lives of young people or someone who will benefit from one of five $500 youth scholarships as part of Youth Week from 8–17 April.
“It’s important as a community that we recognise the positive work, talent and initiatives of our younger residents,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“Young people in Sydney provide a lot of the energy and vitality that makes our city such an exciting and innovative place.
“These awards reward and showcase the efforts of young people, and I encourage everyone in our community to embrace this spirit and get their nominations in for those they would like to see rewarded.”
Young workers can now be nominated for any of the three new categories:
Hall of Fame
The award recognises outstanding long service to young people in the City of Sydney area. Eligible candidates must have at least five years’ experience and have demonstrated a long-term commitment to young people’s wellbeing.
Rookie of the Year
Workers with less than two years’ experience who have developed and implemented innovative programs to enhance the wellbeing and participation of young people or have built positive relationships with young people.
Outstanding Partnership of the Year
Groups or organisations in the local government area that have provided a fresh approach to a youth issue or challenge, or worked with project partners to overcome challenges for young people, are eligible.
A team of young people or an individual young person (aged 12–24) can also be nominated for one of the $500 scholarship categories:
Culturally aware
An individual or group that has significantly contributed to cultural life in their communities and promoted the value of diversity.
Resilient
An individual or group that has accomplished great success while facing personal challenges and displayed resilience and perseverance.
Creative
An individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the community through drama, visual arts, digital media, literature, music and/or other art forms.
Caring
An individual or group that has volunteered their time and resources to promote and participate in working within community, animal welfare, sustainability and/or environmental conservation.
Community-minded
An individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community, and has been a positive or inspirational role model.
The Betty Makin Youth Awards have been a major part of Youth Week in the City for almost 20 years.
Betty Makin was a social activist who devoted her energies to making life better for inner city communities – particularly young people and their families.
Nominations are now open and close on Friday 11 March. The awards are announced on 12 April 2016 during Youth Week in the City.
For more information and nomination submissions go to cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au and search Betty Makin Youth Awards.
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Publicist Elaine Kelly 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au