Young Australians aged 12 to 25 are encouraged to nominate themselves or nominate a friend for the 2015 National Youth Awards.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, said the annual awards recognise the achievements and contributions of Australia’s young people.

“Across Australia there are young people doing great things for their community. It is important they are acknowledged and rewarded for their hard work,” Senator Ryan said.

“If you know a remarkable young Australian I encourage you to nominate them for an award.”

There are seven award categories: Youth Safety Award; Youth Courage Award; Youth Culture and Diversity Award; Youth Employment Award; Youth Health Award; Youth Leadership Award and Youth in Media Award.

The awards are judged by a selection panel made up exclusively of young Australians and are open to all Australian young people aged from 12 to 25 (with the exception of the Youth in Media Award, which is open to a journalist whose story has positively portrayed youth in the news media).

Applications for the 2015 National Youth Awards close on 27 November 2014.

The National Youth Awards are an Australian Government programme as part of National Youth Week to acknowledge and recognise Australia’s youth. National Youth Week will be held from April 10-19, 2015.

More information on the National Youth Awards, including details of past winners and finalists, is available at www.youthweek.com/nya.