NOMINATIONS are now open for Alpine Shire's annual Youth Awards.

The awards recognise the contributions, skills and achievements of a diverse range of young people aged 12 – 21 years who work, live or study in the Alpine Shire.

The awards are a great opportunity for the community to acknowledge and celebrate the valuable contribution young people are making in many areas of the community.

Members of the public, schools, peers and employers are invited to nominate young people for awards in the following categories:

Academic: recognising an individual who is dedicated to aspects of academic study;

Community: recognising an individual or a group who has the welfare of their community and the people within it at heart;

Endurance and Persistence: recognising a young person who has demonstrated personal growth and endurance to overcome hardships or to achieve their goals. This may be demonstrated through but is not limited to family, culture, sexual orientation, geographic location, long term unemployment, health, disability or education;

Sports and Recreation: recognising a young person who demonstrates a strong commitment not just to his/her personal sporting achievements but to the wider benefit of the sport;

Workplace: recognises a young person undertaking part– or full–time work, traineeship or apprenticeship who consistently displays a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism;

Rural: this award recognises an individual who shows commitment to agriculture or rural life in the Alpine Shire, through work, study or lifestyle;

Performing Arts: this award recognises a young person or group who display/s their skill or talent through performing arts; it is for an individual or group who displays a large amount of determination to succeed in their field;

Visual Arts and Media: young people who excel in the areas of visual arts and media are invited to nominate themselves for this category; their excellence could include (but is not limited to) photography, drawing, sculpture, painting, fashion, textiles or film.

Nominations close on Monday, July 25 – go to http://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/.../grants.../youth–awards to download a form.

The awards event will be held on Friday, September 16.

To learn more contact council on 5755 0555 or ydo@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.