Know a young person who is doing great things?
The below awards are open to young people who live in Darwin and there is no requirement to be a member of a particular educational institution, club or organisation to enter these awards.
Darwin Young Citizen of the Year
This award is for young people who have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year, and/or have provided an outstanding service over a number of years, to improve the lives of others, or are role models, quiet achievers or leaders in our community.
Eligibility: Must be an Australian citizen, resident of Darwin and under 30 on the 26 January in the year of the award
Nominations: generally open October-November
Cost: no cost to enter and no cost to attend the awards ceremony
More info: https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/community/things-to-do/community-celebrations/australia-day/citizen-of-the-year-award
Lord Mayor’s Rising Star Award
A young person who makes an ongoing contribution to their school, workplace or community advocating for the rights and well-being of people with disability.
Eligibility: The nominee is under 25 years old with a disability.
Nominations: open all year round, closing early November each year
Cost: no cost to enter and no cost to attend the awards ceremony
More info: https://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/community/programs/access-and-inclusion/the-lord-mayoral-awards
NT Mental Health Week – Young Person Award
Presented by the Mental Health Coalition the Mental Health Week Community Awards recognise people who have made significant contributions to the Mental Health sector. The NT Mental Health Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations who provide extraordinary support to others, either in paid or voluntary roles.
The Young Person Award recognises the outstanding contribution of a young person working or volunteering in the field of mental health who demonstrates leadership in supporting and advocating for people with mental ill-health in their community.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of the Northern Territory and aged 15-24
Nominations: closes in September
Cost: no cost to enter or attend the awards ceremony
More info: https://ntmhc.org.au/nt-mental-health-week/awards/
NT Volunteer of the Year Awards
The Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of Northern Territory volunteers, volunteer involving organisations, corporate volunteering programs and volunteer managers at work in our community. There are two youth specific awards – Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award and NT SESVA Emergency Volunteer of the Year Award.
Eligibility: Must be 14-27 years of age, a resident of the Northern Territory and volunteering in an NT based organisation.
Nominations: are open July-August
Cost: no cost to enter or attend the awards event
More info: https://www.volunteeringsa-nt.org.au/learning-and-development-and-events/events/nt-volunteer-of-the-year-awards-2022
NT Young Achiever Awards
The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Territorians. The awards are an opportunity to demonstrate young people’s achievements and showcase the recipients as role models within the community.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of the Northern Territory and under 30 on 31 December in the year of the award
Nominations: generally open September-January
Cost: no cost to enter however tickets to attend the awards ceremony are $150
More info: https://awardsaustralia.com/young-achiever-awards/nt/
Young Australian of the Year
In choosing the recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards, regard is given to the nominee’s achievements in the year immediately prior to receiving the award, as well as their past achievements and ongoing contribution to the Australian community and nation. In particular the awards are looking for nominees who are changing lives and Australian society for the better, someone whose challenges and triumphs are manifested in their life experience and personal journey, beyond their career achievements.
Eligibility: Must be an Australian citizen and be aged 16-30 on the 26 January in the year of the award
Nominations: open all year round, closing 31 July each year
Cost: no cost to enter or attend the awards ceremony
More info: https://www.australianoftheyear.org.au/nominate
Banner Image : 2021 Rising Star Award Winner Thomas Owens with Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis