Born from a unique idea in 2022, the Central Coast Youth Week Awards will be held 11 April 2024 at The Hub Erina, Youth Entertainment Venue. The event will be the culmination of community nominations recognising young people on the Central Coast.

The Youth Week Awards, which coincide with NSW Youth Week, is a unique event run by Council and the Central Coast youth sector to honour the contributions of young people in our community. 

Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said Council is committed to supporting young people alongside the youth sector, industry and NSW Government. 

“With over 50,000 young people living on the Central Coast, their thoughts, attitudes, opinions and ideas are vital to the future of our region,” Mr Cantillon said.

“The Awards shine a spotlight on remarkable young individuals who are making a difference. While academic and athletic accomplishments have always been celebrated, the introduction of three new awards including the First Nations Cultural Award, and the updated Social Impact in Education / Community Award and Environment and Ethical Sustainability Award, also focus on young people who have dedicated their time and effort to making their communities better places to live.

“Many nominations come from teachers and coaches, who are keen to see young people get the recognition they deserve.  The Awards also recognise a broad range of others who give back with eleven award categories anyone can nominate an eligible young person for who meets the selection criteria. 

“A nominee could be a young person who has demonstrated excellence in our vibrant arts and entertainment industry on the Coast, someone involved in a sporting or non-profit organisation, who has raised funds for a charity, created positive change in sustainability, made a contribution to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts culture and community, a young entrepreneur or mentor,” Mr Cantillon said.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said these awards are an important demonstration of the Central Coast’s support for young people and their contributions that make the Coast a better place. 

“There is a diverse, talented and ambitious population of young people who are helping to shape the future of our wonderful community on the Coast,” Mr Hart said.

“The Central Coast Youth Week Awards’ ceremony is a wonderful evening for the youth sector to celebrate young people, and an opportunity to provide finalists with the recognition in the community they deserve for their achievements.”

Award categories include:  
Arts and Entertainment Award
Community Service and Activity Award
Environment and Ethical Sustainability Award 
First Nations Cultural Award 
Social Impact in Education / Community Award
Sportsperson of the Year Award 
Youth Entrepreneur Award 
Youth Leadership (Individual) Award
Youth Leadership (Group) Award
Youth Volunteer Award of the Year Award 

In addition, the Central Coast Youth Week Awards also includes a Nominator Award category which is a chance for a Central Coast school or service that has nominated at least one young person for an award to win $1,000 to roll out a program to continue to benefit young people. 

Nominations are open until Sunday 25 February 2024. To be eligible applicants must be an Australian Citizen and live in the Central Coast Local Government Area.

Finalists and their guests will be invited to attend the Central Coast Youth Week Awards presentation night where all award winners will be announced.

This program is funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice. 

For further information, eligibility criteria and to make your nomination visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/youth