This category recognises a young person who are involved in sport and recreation and has made a positive impact.

Nominees may have:

• inspired others in a positive way through their chosen sport
• volunteered or acted as a role model that encourages and supports others to participate
• showed a strong dedication and achievement within their chosen sport

This category recognises a young person who has demonstrated hard work, creativity and passion in their art and engaged the community through various mediums including visual arts, music, writing, sculpture, theatre or film.

Nominees may have:

• inspired others in a positive way through their art or music
• contributed to the community through their art
• helped build a vibrant and active arts or music community (e.g. planning of music, art and/or youth events)

This category recognises individual young people that may be described as a champion due to their involvement and dedication to empower others.

Nominees may have:

• made a positive contribution to the local community
• used their skills and positive attitude to connect and empower others
• mentored other young people and engaged them to participate in the community

This category recognises a young person who has contributed to creating a vibrant, inclusive and diverse cultural community.

 Nominees may have achieved outcomes in:

• promoting the inclusion and participation of young people from Culturally Diverse backgrounds in community life
• encouraging and promoting initiatives for the wider community that enhances community cohesion and understanding of other cultural practices
• planning and delivering cultural celebrations across the City of Greater Geelong

This category recognises and celebrates a young person who uses creativity and initiative to develop ideas, projects or inventions that have made a significant or positive impact. 

Nominees may have achieved outcomes in:

• digital technology
• social entrepreneurship and/or small business start ups
• initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental sustainability
• innovative use of social media platforms to raise awareness and advocate for change

This category recognises a young person who can be described as an inspiration for others.

Nominees may have demonstrated:

• resilience to overcome challenges and have used their experiences to guide and motivate others, or pursued careers in a demanding field despite facing obstacles in their lives
• strength to improve the lives of others by displaying admirable qualities of empathy and kindness
• caring duties for a family member, relative or friend with a disability, mental illness or chronic condition

This category recognises a young person who has demonstrated leadership within their community through school, work or other pursuits/contributions and is regarded by others as a good example to follow.

Nominees may have achieved outcomes in:

• encouraging other young people
• advocating for others in the community
• promoting respectful and positive behaviour/attitudes
• volunteering or getting involved in various activities with a focus on community participation and social connectedness

This category recognises a young person who can be described as having a positive attitude, willingness to help and commitment in doing so.

Nominees may have demonstrated:

• an eagerness to work quietly behind the scenes with a positive ‘can do’ attitude and who often go above and beyond to help
• untraditional leadership roles, who may not even know they are a leader among their peers at home or in their community
• a meaningful contribution to their school, family, peer group or community that may not usually receive public recognition

This category recognises any person who works on a voluntary basis with young people.

(This award is open to all ages).

Nominees may have:

• volunteered their time in existing programs to mentor young people
• shown exceptional leadership in supporting a young person or youth group
• inspired, encouraged and supported a young person to develop their ideas and activities
• broken down barriers for young people to participate through their volunteering activities
• have positively impacted others in the community.