NEW SOUTH WALES

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards - NSW/ACT

Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award

Spirit Super loves supporting its members and the communities they live and work in. Through strong community partnerships and people-first impact investments, they’re committed to building happier, healthier, better-connected communities where we can all thrive.

The Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award celebrates young individuals or groups that use innovative or new technology to drive grassroots, ‘real life’ initiatives that demonstrate genuine engagement and add long-term value to local communities.

These initiatives may meet a specific need or simply be a fun way to celebrate being part of a community. This includes fostering a strong sense of community spirit and enhancing the way people connect within the community.

The Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award is open to individuals, or a group of two or more young people. Nominees for group nominations must be able to demonstrate that those leading the group and driving the initiative, are under the age of 30, as per the Conditions of Entry.

Provide a brief background and history of the group and key participants, and how their initiative is “Connecting Communities”.
Outline the short and long term goals of the group and their achievements to date.
Demonstrate how technology, data or innovation has played a part in the community initiative:
a) In planning
b) In the way the project is delivered
c) In the way the project is received (by participants/community)
Demonstrate the value of the initiative to the local community. You can use media clippings, testimonials, photos (provide links or utilise the Attachments section) as well as commentary to respond.
Provide details of any challenges and/or obstacles that have had to be overcome and how this has been achieved.
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting the achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Aboriginal Education Council Aboriginal Education Award

Education is life changing. It takes place not only in educational institutions but in everyday situations.

The Aboriginal Education Council through its Aboriginal Education Award seeks to recognise Indigenous and Non Indigenous young people engaged in the education of Aboriginal people, education about Aboriginal people and culture, or education with Aboriginal people.

The applicants will be drawn from Community Educators, Community Members, Classroom Teachers, Assistant Teachers or school or institution Students or Support Staff, who are passionate about providing and improving education for, about or with Aboriginal people.

The Award will recognise young men and women who have the skills and ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and ages.

Outline the nominees educational background
Outline the nominee's progress as a educator, in particular focusing over the last 12 months.
Outline how the nominee has used initiative, engaged in innovative practice and excelled as a educator.
How has the nominee displayed or supported a positive philosophy and demonstrated good educational and learning practices?
1. How have the students, other staff and the community benefitted from the innovative approach of the nominee?
Describe how the nominee has made a positive contribution to their profession.
Outline the nominee’s commitment to personal development and further education
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Awards Australia Career Achievement Award

Young Australians are pursuing their career with passion and vitality and young people are showing ambition isn’t limited by age.

Whether they are climbing the corporate ladder, progressing from apprentice to workshop manager, or have a focus on proactivity and innovation in the workplace, they are showing that career success can start and apply anywhere.

The Awards Australia Career Achievement Award promotes innovation, high achievement, hard work, leadership, a desire for self-improvement and a community focus.

The Award will reward those who make the most of their opportunities.

Background of Career profile
Has the nominee shown creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial skills?
Examples of initiative, planning, management and leadership
Outline any personal development
Length/sustainability of position
Describe any community participation, involvement and contribution
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Department of Regional NSW Create Change Award

Many young people in regional NSW are passionate about creating change. The Department of Regional NSW Create Change Award will recognise young people, aged between 12-24, that are driving activities, programs and initiatives that promote or create change in regional NSW. The Create Change Award acknowledges and celebrates the commitment young people across regional NSW make in achieving or participating in positive activities that empower change locally, nationally and/or internationally.

*Nominees must be based in regional NSW and within the age limit as of the nominations closing date, Tuesday 6th February.

Outline the program, project or initiative that the nominee has been involved with to create change
What specific outcomes and successes has the nominee achieved or been involved with to incite change?
Who has benefited from the programs/initiatives?
Why is the nominees program or initiative needed?
Describe any barriers or difficulties the nominee has encountered.
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Freemasons of NSW/ACT Community Service Award

When hard times hit or disaster strikes, our selfless young men and women often make the difference by giving their guidance, encouragement and much needed support.

Volunteers spend their time offering friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need it most.

The Community Service Award applauds our unsung heroes, acknowledging those young people who are passionate in putting the needs of their Community in our State of NSW and the ACT first.

Contribution to local and/or broader NSW and ACT communities
Detail the achievements, aims and objectives of programs/projects
Outline Initiative and innovation planning, management and leadership
How is the program/project funded and is it sustainable?
Outline what is voluntary or paid involvement and the self-development, training and education levels of individual
Discuss all barriers encounters and how they have been overcome
100 word summary of achievements for media, judging and promotional material including for use on the Awards night

Ministry of Health Achievement in Health Award

The Ministry of Health Achievement in Health Award is open to young people of any cultural background, to celebrate those contributing to positive health and wellbeing outcomes in the community.

There are many who passionately and selflessly provide support, guidance, encouragement, assistance or professional services to improve access to health services or support. They offer hope, inspiration and voluntary assistance to people who need support and networks to improve their quality of life.

This award acknowledges the services, efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers and health professionals. These individuals create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them.

Outline your health contribution, including who has and who will benefit.
Outline your area of expertise, qualifications and what outcomes have been achieved?
Number of hours contributed, paid and/or unpaid.
Discuss any challenges you have faced and how they have been overcome.
If relevant, provide examples of how collaboration and partnerships have played a part in your achievements.
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Nura Gili Indigenous Youth Leadership Award

Indigenous youths who are creating opportunities and success through community engagement, and by giving back and creating pathways for future generations.

The Nura Gili Indigenous Youth Leadership Award is for Indigenous people under the age of 30 who demonstrate leadership in their chosen area of study, work and/or specialised field. Leadership can mean, they may have implemented or contributed to Indigenous groups, communities, organisations, or education that has created a positive change.

Tell us about the nominee’s leadership?
How has their community benefited from positive change?
What is the nominee’s future vision and plans for their community?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlight your achievements and impacts make. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

OSMEN Furniture Creative Design Award

OSMEN is excited to highlight the next wave of designers. The OSMEN Furniture Creative Design Award applauds the many achievements the new generation of potential has to offer. We look forward to seeing young designers in every creative field strive towards superior design, quality, and value.

OSMEN Furniture is internationally renowned for our modern and innovative collections. We have been providing timeless European designs, Australian alfresco style, and our original OSMEN designs since 2000. Now, we are excited to share our passion for excellence in design with young, upcoming designers.

The Creative Design Award is given to emerging designers who are working hard to make a difference through their expressive capacities. These young designers may be (but not restricted to) architects, outdoor landscapers, builders of outdoor home extensions, outdoor designers and pool services. Through the Creative Design Award, OSMEN Outdoor Furniture will support young people who are inspiring or influencing others in the field of design.

Outline the nominee’s background in design
How has the nominee excelled in their role? What qualities have they displayed: initiative, work ethic, willingness to learn, etc.?
Commitment to personal development in the design field
Training and education level
Prizes and Awards – Local, national, international
Does the nominee have any involvement with their community or the wider industry?
Level of any past or future sacrifices made or difficulties overcome
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made.
This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award will honour young people who are leaders in their field, doing their part to showcase New South Wales as a destination of choice or providing exceptional guest experiences through gracious hospitality.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney believe in bringing the warmth of genuine service to everything that they do. This award will celebrate those who provide personable, meaningful experiences to others or develop new initiatives for tourists and visitors to enjoy what NSW has to offer. It could be part of an existing business, a new venture, a program to improve inclusion and accessibility, or an innovative new approach to travelling, dining or accommodation. NSW has so many destinations, tours, events and festivals, so this award is open to any young person contributing to the travel, tourism or hospitality industries and will applaud contributions demonstrating passion, innovation and outstanding customer service.

· Provide a brief overview of the business/organisation and the nominee’s position/role.
· Detail how has the individual made an overall impact on the business, organisation or their venture? (Please include examples of where the nominee has displayed management, leadership, innovation skills above and beyond what is required.)
· Describe how has the nominee made a positive and lasting impact to the broader industry in the past 12 months?
· Provide examples of the nominee’s commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience?
· How does the nominee’s contribution showcase NSW as a destination of choice?
· Outline how the nominee’s activities contribute to the local and wider community; and benefits to NSW.
· In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Transgrid Indigenous Achievement Award

Young Indigenous people are using their own stories and life experiences to give back to their communities. These passionate and dedicated young Indigenous people provide strong role models and are making a difference. The TransGrid Indigenous Achievement Award acknowledges and celebrates the commitment of these young people in achieving or participating in excellence.

What successes and cultural achievements has the nominee had?
How have these contributions and achievements benefited the community?
How has your education, training and/or employment (if applicable) enabled you give back to your community?
Outline any barriers you have had to overcome
What are your plans and goals for the future?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Western Sydney University Academic Achievement Award

Western Sydney University prides itself on challenging the traditional notion of what a university should be. We are deeply embedded in the community and the region we serve and are committed to recognising outstanding students throughout NSW and the ACT. Dedicated to nurturing passion, resilience, and academic excellence, the Western Sydney University Academic Achievement Award honors outstanding students who defy challenges, break new ground, and make a profound impact in their chosen fields. Echoing Western Sydney University's commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering potential, the Academic Achievement Award shines a light on students who embody the spirit of innovation, social responsibility, and academic rigor.

Outline the area of study and academic achievements
How do the achievements compare to others involved in the same field?
How do the achievements impact the community?
Barriers or difficulties and how they have been overcome.
Examples of initiative, planning, management and leadership.
100 word summary of achievements for media, judging and promotional material including for use on the Awards night.