Nominations for the 2023 Central Coast Youth Week Awards are now open, giving local youth aged 12 to 24 years the opportunity to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the region.

The Central Coast Youth Week Awards, which coincide with NSW Youth Week, is an initiative of Central Coast Council to recognise and highlight the accomplishments of young coasties. 

Council Unit Manager Leisure Beach Safety and Community Facilities, Phil Cantillon said it’s vital we recognise and highlight the accomplishments of youth living on the Coast.  

“The Central Coast Youth Strategy 2019 – 2024 identified over 50,000 people aged 12 to 24 are living in the Central Coast region,” Mr Cantillon said. 

“Young people and their thoughts, attitudes, opinions, and ideas are vital to the future of our region. They are valuable members of society and the way we include, reflect, and recognise their contribution will influence the future direction of the Central Coast.”

“We’re calling on the Central Coast community to nominate a young person for an award across eight categories.

“A young person could be someone who volunteers their time for a sporting or non-profit organisation, raises funds for charities, or who advocates for the environment or has demonstrated excellence in the arts and entertainment industry.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the awards celebrate the Central Coast’s diversity, values, and contributions youth provide to the community. 

“There are a broad range of young people in our community who continue to do amazing things to make our region a better place. A place where we can all be proud to live, work and play and it’s important that we recognise and share their contributions and achievements,” Mr Hart said. 
 
The eight awards include: 
•    Arts and Entertainment Award 
•    Environmental Award 
•    Social Impact in Education Award
•    Sportsperson of the Year Award
•    Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award 
•    Youth Leadership (Individual) of the Year Award 
•    Youth Leadership (Group) of the Year Award
•    Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

In addition, the Central Coast Youth Week Awards has 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. 

Finalists and their guests will be invited to attend the Central Coast Youth Week Awards presentation night on Thursday 20 April 2023 at The Hub Erina Youth Entertainment Venue, where all award winners will be announced.

Nominations are open until Friday 31 March 2023. To be eligible applicants must be an Australian Citizen and live in the Central Coast Local Government Area.

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/youthweekawards

ENDS
 
2022 Central Coast Youth Week Award Winners pictured above (left to right): 
•    Excellence in Education – Winner: Charli Grant
•    Youth Volunteer of the Year – Winner: Samantha Laundess 
•    Arts and Culture – Winner: Jack Williams
•    Youth Leadership of the Year – Winner: Jayden Delbridge
•    Community Service – Winner: Dana Patterson
•    Youth Entrepreneur of the Year – Winner: Ashlee McGonigal