Every year, extraordinary young Australians are making a real difference — in their communities, industries, and the lives of those around them. The Young Achiever Awards exist to celebrate these remarkable individuals, but giving their story the recognition it deserves starts with a nomination that truly stands out.

Here are seven expert tips to help you create a nomination that captures attention and clearly demonstrates your nominee’s impact.

🌟 1. Showcase Testimonials and Reviews

The most powerful nominations don’t just tell the judges your nominee is exceptional — they show it through the voices of people who’ve been directly impacted by their work.

Authentic testimonials, heartfelt character references, or quotes from mentors, peers, or community members add a human dimension that facts and figures alone simply can’t.

These firsthand accounts bring the nominee’s impact to life and establish genuine credibility with the reader.

💡 Tip: Consider including quotes from LinkedIn recommendations, community feedback, or even a short statement from someone whose life has been changed by your nominee’s efforts.

📎 2. Clearly Name and Reference Your Attachments

Supporting documents are vital evidence of your nominee’s achievements — but only if they’re easy for the judges to navigate.

Avoid generic file names like document1.pdf. Instead, use clear, descriptive titles such as:

📄 CommunityProgramOutcomes2025.pdf

Within the nomination itself, reference these attachments directly so judges can easily connect your written responses with the supporting evidence.

Think of your attachments as the proof behind your story — make them impossible to miss.

🌐 3. Leverage Their Online Presence

In today’s digital world, a nominee’s online presence can add incredible depth to their story.

Including links to social media profiles, personal websites, or project pages allows judges to see their work in action and understand the broader reach of their achievements.

This isn’t about follower counts — it’s about providing a richer, more dynamic picture of the nominee’s impact.

✨ 4. Highlight What Makes Them Unique

When reviewing nominations, judges often see many impressive stories. What sets your nominee apart?

Focus on what makes their work distinctive. This might be their approach, their innovation, their dedication, or the unique challenges they’ve overcome.

Ask yourself:

❓ What would be lost if this person wasn’t doing what they’re doing?

The answer to that question is often the heart of a truly memorable nomination.

📊 5. Demonstrate Tangible Impact

This is one of the most important parts of a strong nomination.

Rather than simply describing what your nominee does, focus on the real-world outcomes of their work.

For example:

Instead of writing:
“She organised community events.”

Try:
“Her events brought together more than 400 local residents and led to the formation of two ongoing support groups that continue to meet today.”

Clear, specific outcomes help judges understand the genuine difference your nominee has made.

📈 6. Include Relevant Statistics and Program Details

Numbers can tell a powerful story when paired with a strong narrative.

Wherever possible, support your claims with measurable outcomes, program data, or statistics.

For example:

Instead of saying:
“He has helped many young people.”

You might write:
“Since 2022, he has personally mentored 47 young people aged 15–25, with 90% going on to complete their secondary education.”

These details provide clear evidence of the nominee’s reach and effectiveness.

📸 7. Add Compelling Photos

Images can bring a nomination to life in a way that words alone cannot.

Include photos that show your nominee in action — whether that’s at a community event, working within their organisation, mentoring others, or delivering a project.

Strong visuals add a personal, emotional dimension that helps judges connect with the story.

Just make sure you have permission to use any images that include other people, particularly children.

📁 Recommended Supporting Attachments

To strengthen your nomination, consider including:

🖼 Photos of the nominee and their work
📝 Character references or recommendation letters
💬 Testimonials or community feedback
📄 Project materials such as flyers, reports, or event programs
🗞 Media coverage including news articles, interviews, or podcasts