Friday, 15 September 2017

Harriet Shing, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region has called for nominations for outstanding young people from across Gippsland for the 2018 Victorian Young Achiever Awards.

The Young Achiever Awards provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate the efforts of young Victorians who are making a real difference in our community.

The awards recognise the achievements of Victoria’s young people over 10 sponsored categories, with one of the category winners being named the overall Victorian Young Achiever of the Year.

The Andrews Labor Government is a proud supporter of the awards, now in their seventh year, through its sponsorship of the Group Achievement in the Community Award.

This award specifically recognises young people who have worked together to provide a service, program or project for young people that has resulted in positive changes in a local community.

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards are open to people aged up to 29 years. Categories include regional and rural health, community service, arts and fashion, and small business achievement.

Each category winner receives $2,000 and a trophy. The Victorian Young Achiever of the Year will receive an additional $2,000 flight voucher and a state trophy.

The Government Group Achievement in the Community Award was last year awarded to the Y-House Foundation Youth Committee for their work supporting young people who have suffered traumatic brain and spinal injuries and are living in aged care.

Youth activist Laura Pintur, from Mt Eliza, received the 2017 Young Achiever of the Year Award. Ms Pintur was recognised for helping young people navigate issues such as sex, relationships and the rise of pornography.

Award nominations open today and close on 18 December, 2017. For more information or to nominate a young achiever, visit www.awardsaustralia.com/young-achiever-awards/vic

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

Every single day innovative, smart and passionate young people are going out of their way to make our region better and our communities stronger.”

“If you know of a young person in Gippsland who is doing amazing things I would encourage you to nominate them today for the Victorian Young Achiever Awards.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos:

“It is an honour to be Patron of the Victorian Young Achiever Awards and to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership and achievements of young people who are making a real difference to other people’s lives in Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to 2017 Winner Laura Pintur:

“Receiving such a prestigious award gave our program credibility and exposure. We’re now full-steam ahead, giving school talks and producing a video series.”

“The award opened a lot of doors for our organisation I’d encourage people to nominate young people who are leaders and making change.”