Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Applications open for Young Australian of the Year Awards

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony today announced applications are open for the 2003 Young Australian of the Year Award and was pleased to support the new-format for Australian of the Year Awards 2003, launched today by the Prime Minister.

“The 2003 Awards will bring together for the first time the Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Senior Australian of the Year Awards. The new format will also include a new award, Local Heroes, to recognise outstanding contributions at the community level.

“The Young Australian of the Year is a great opportunity to showcase the achievements of young Australians, who through initiative, hard work and persistence achieve extraordinary results.

“With a focus on leadership, vision and entrepreneurial flair, the awards foster the pursuit of excellence. They also highlight to all Australians the success our young people have achieved through their determination, talent and contribution to their chosen career.”

“I encourage all Australians to consider the role and involvement of young people in their communities and to participate in the nomination process for Young Australian of the Year,” Mr Anthony said.

The Commonwealth Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Young Australian of the Year Awards are open to any young person between the ages of 16 and 24 years who have demonstrated a significant contribution in business, commerce, industry or government.

Winners of each state and territory will be announced in November. The national award winners will be announced on January 25, 2003 at a gala ceremony to be televised live through the Seven Network and affiliated stations.

Nomination forms are available at the Commonwealth Bank, in the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail, the Sunday Times, Northern Territory News, the Advertiser and the Mercury. They are also available through the Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services website (www.thesource.gov.au), the National Australia Day Council website (www.australianoftheyear.gov.au), or by phoning 1300 130 279.