Twenty-four young Australians, as well as four journalists, have been named finalists in the 2015 National Youth Awards.

The National Youth Awards are an initiative of the Australian Government as part of National Youth Week. Winners will be announced in Brisbane on April 16.

The finalists range in age from 12 to 25. They come from all corners of the country and have notched up achievements across the community – from school leadership roles in fighting racism, to overcoming homelessness and then helping others do the same.

In 2015, the youngest finalist is 12-year-old Maggie Heffernan from Huon, Victoria. Maggie is a finalist in the Youth Safety category. She helped establish a “buddy bench” at her school and contributed to many charitable causes and community campaigns.

The awards are divided into seven categories – youth employment, youth safety, youth courage, youth health, youth culture and diversity, youth leadership and youth in media.

Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education and Training, congratulated all the finalists.

“What has shone through in all the finalists is their passion, commitment and dedication to their chosen pursuit,” Senator Ryan said.

“I commend all those who entered the 2015 National Youth Awards and congratulate the finalists across the seven categories.”

“The theme for 2015 National Youth Week is ‘It Starts With Us’. The finalists have all shown determination and commitment that embodies this theme.”

The awards will be presented as part of National Youth Week, which runs from April 10-19. Winners receive a $2000 cash prize.

The finalists are listed in the attached document. For more information on the National Youth Awards or National Youth Week, visit www.youthweek.com.