Recipients of the 2011 City of Ballarat Youth Awards will be announced at a free event to be held at the Regent Multiplex Cinemas next Friday (14/10) at 6.30pm.

The Youth Awards were developed by the City of Ballarat Youth Council and Youth Services, to provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate and recognise Ballarat’s many young people who make a positive contribution to the community. 

City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for People and Communities John Philips said the Youth Awards are a fantastic opportunity to show our support for Ballarat’s young people.

“There are so many inspiring young people in Ballarat and I look forward to being a part of the Awards Ceremony next week.

“I encourage the community to show their support for our young people and come along to the Awards ceremony at the Regent Cinemas.”

This year Youth Services has introduced City of Ballarat Youth Awards Ambassadors to promote and support the awards.

The ambassadors are Drew Petrie, North Melbourne Football player, previous community member and young person of Ballarat Pheobie Morrison, 2009 City of Ballarat Youth Volunteer Award Winner.

Both will speak at the Awards Ceremony next Friday night (14/10).

A range of award categories will be presented to people aged between 12 and 25 years, two of the awards were also available for people aged over 25 years.

The Youth Award categories include:

• Music Award
• Visual and Design Award
• Performing Arts Award
• Challenge and Change Award
• Young Entrepreneur Award
• Youth Support Worker Award (also available to people over 25 years of age)
• Inspirational Award
• Young Carer Award
• Youth Volunteer Award
• Group Project Award
• Leadership in Sport Award
• Positive Youth Award
• Mentors Award (also available to people over 25 years of age)

All nominees will receive a trophy with category winners receiving a winner’s trophy and financial reward.

For more information about the Youth Awards contact City of Ballarat Youth Services on 5320 5140.