Youth Awards 2025 to Ignite the Spark of Inspiration in Ballarat’s Youth

Young people across Ballarat are doing incredible things — and the Ballarat Youth Awards is the perfect chance to celebrate them.

The City of Ballarat is proud to announce that nominations for the 2025 Youth Awards are now open.

The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of young people aged 12 to 25 within our community.

Since 2005, the Ballarat Youth Awards have recognised the leadership, creativity, kindness, and dedication of young individuals, as well as the influential adults who support them.  

The awards are planned and managed by the City of Ballarat’s Young Eventsters, a volunteer group of passionate young people dedicated to event planning.

This year’s theme, “Ignite the Spark,” reflects the power young people have to inspire change.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves emphasised the importance of acknowledging the achievements of our youth.

“The Ballarat Youth Awards are a chance for our community to say, ‘we see you, and we appreciate you’,” she said.

“Many of our young people go above and beyond in our local community, whether that’s in their own personal circumstances or through volunteerism and active participation in sport and other areas of interest.”

Ella, a Young Eventsters volunteer, said the Youth Awards were about highlighting those making positive changes for the community.

“Ignite the Spark is about celebrating young people who are making a difference and inspiring others to do the same,” she said.

“It’s about lighting the way for positive change in Ballarat and showing what’s possible when young people support each other.”

Nominations will close on Friday, 6 June 2025, at 11.59pm.  

The awards ceremony will be held on Friday, 8 August 2025, at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, where all nominees will be recognised and invited to attend this special event.

For more information on the awards and to access the nomination form, please visit the City of Ballarat Youth Awards page. Follow @BallaratYouth on Instagram and Facebook for updates.