Excellence in Youth Awards

The Excellence in Youth Awards Program for 2009 is now closed.

For any information about the Excellence In Youth Awards for 2010, please contact our Program Development Officer - Youth, Shane Merry on (02) 9843 0485 or email: council-hype@thehills.nsw.gov.au

About The Excellence In Youth Awards

The Excellence in Youth Awards are open to all young people aged 12-25 who live, work, study or play in The Hills Shire. We encourage people to nominate the youth of the Shire and for young people to send their own applications. With 12 categories for entry and cash prizes to be won, the Excellence in Youth Awards promotes personal development and seeks to recognise the achievements of young people and the valuable contribution they make to the local community.

2009 Categories

Challenge and Change Award

This is awarded to an individual who has made a substantial and sustainable turnaround in their life. This young person will have demonstrated personal growth through overcoming challenges in their day-to-day life.

Young people in this category will need to be nominated by a parent, friend, director, mentor, teacher, etc.

Visual Arts Award

The arts are presented in various forms of expression. They are a unique way of highlighting the diversity of our culture, particularly the Shire in which we live. If the applicant strives for excellence in visual arts - including traditional arts, photography and film, they are eligible for this category.

Performing Arts Award

The arts are presented in a universal language and can be interpreted in many varying forms of expression. If the applicant strives for excellence in the performing arts - including music, dance & drama, they are eligible for this category.

Junior Individual Sports Award

The Hills Shire consists of many sporting clubs and associations. For many young people, sport is an excellent avenue for them to display their talents. This category is open to young sports people who are actively participating in their chosen sport. Junior Sports is for young people 12-17.

Senior Individual Sports Award

Team Sports Award

This category is open to teams of young people who together are actively participating in their chosen sport. This may include local sporting clubs or school sporting teams who have achieved at a local, national or international level.

Community Service Award

There is an increasing demand on community services and organisations offering care and assistance to members of the community. Young people are increasingly making a valuable contribution to the community. This award is for young people who have made a contribution to support other people in their community, whether it be their school community, the local community or beyond.

Business Award

The growing need for the establishment of strong new business developments is fundamental for economic growth. Individuals who have the vision to identify an opportunity, the skill to develop that opportunity and then the conviction to implement it require encouragement and recognition of their foresight. This award is for young people who have developed/implemented a business idea, excelled in the workplace, or excelled in the study of business or similar.

Science, Technology and Environment Award

The conservation of our natural environment and the continuing discoveries in the area of science and technology is the responsibility of us all. Young people are encouraged to look forward with a clear vision and foresight and to meet the challenges of the evolving environmental, scientific and technological demands presented by our community. This awards is for young people taking an active role in addressing the need to maintain a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future in the area of environmental management, information technology and science disciplines.

Secondary Student Award

Our secondary students are recognised for their potential as future achievers and are encouraged to pursue excellence in the various facets of school life. This award is for secondary school aged young person who has made a contribution to the betterment of their school or community, achieved in a number of areas or excelled in a chosen endeavour.

Tertiary Student Award

Tertiary students are the future leaders in our country and are certainly already the leaders of young people as they continue to strive for excellence and aid the development of their chosen field of study. This award is for a tertiary-aged student who has made a contribution to betterment of their school or community, achieved in a number of areas or excelled in a chosen endeavour.

Constance Lowe The Hills Shire Youth Ambassador Award

The position of Youth Ambassador is an official representative position within The Hills Shire Council framework and is awarded to a young person who displays not only all round outstanding achievement, but also the qualities needed to be a representative voice for the youth of the Shire. Entries to this category are to be lodged in compliment to one of the other categories. The Youth Ambassador award is a truly rewarding and worthwhile experience, and allows the winner to discover and support the sentiments of young people in The Hills Shire.

Prizes

Cash and prizes is distributed across the awards categories.

This includes a winner's cheque, trophy and certificate.

You will also be recognised throughout the Shire for your achievements.