Celebration of Youth

Trisha Broadbridge, 2006 Young Australian of the Year, today joined the Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, to celebrate International Youth Day and the contribution young people make to our community.

Speaking at the Youth in the City Youth Centre, Mr Cobb took the opportunity to encourage people to nominate exceptional young Australians for the 2007 Young Australian of the Year Awards.

‘This Award is an excellent opportunity for the public to nominate young Australians, aged 16-25, who deserve recognition for outstanding work in their community,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘Trisha is a brilliant example of the important role young people play in our community and the Young Australian of the Year Award is a way we can acknowledge and enhance the valuable contribution they make.’

Continuing the focus on youth, Mr Cobb announced Ali Majoka as the winner of Share Your Story and Win, a competition enabling young people to share their personal experiences with others.

‘Ali told of his experiences as a Muslim student and the discrimination he faced from classmates through generalisation of his cultural background,’ Mr Cobb said.

Mr Cobb also announced the launch of the Youth Bulletin, a monthly e-newsletter which will raise awareness of youth resources and provide information on youth programs and initiatives.

‘The Australian Government remains committed to supporting youth and encouraging young people to participate in the decisions which affect their lives,’ Mr Cobb said.

Nominations for the Young Australian of the Year can be made online now at the Australian of the Year website or call 1300 655 193 for more information.