Nominate a young Australian who makes you proud

Nominations to highlight the achievements of a young person you think is deserving of the title 2008 Young Australian of the Year, are now open.

Minister for Community Services, Senator Nigel Scullion, today encouraged Australians to nominate young people who deserve recognition for their significant achievements or community contribution.

‘The awards are based on nominations made by the public, so it’s up to all Australians to tell us who they think should be considered for the awards, before nominations close on Monday 28 August 2007,’ Senator Scullion said.

‘The Young Australian of the Year Award is a great opportunity to honour and celebrate the outstanding achievements of young Australians who have made a substantial contribution to their community and Australia as a whole.

‘As Federal Minister with responsibility for youth affairs, I have met many exceptional young Australians who make enormous contributions to Australian society through sectors such as the arts, community and social work, sports, health and advocacy.

‘The 2007 winner, Tania Major, is an Indigenous youth advocate who uses her profile to draw attention to domestic violence and other issues in Aboriginal communities. She is a role model, not only for Indigenous youth, but for all young Australians.

‘The Young Australian of the Year has been awarded since 1979 to exceptional young Australians aged 16 to 25 years,’ Senator Scullion said.

Past winners of the award have included Tricia Broadbridge, Khoa Do, Hugh Evans, Lleyton Hewitt, Scott Hocknell, James Fitzpatrick, Ian Thorpe, Bryan Gaensler, Tan Le and Nova Peris.

The National Award winners will be announced on 25 January 2008 on the lawns of Parliament House, Canberra. State and Territory winners will be announced later this year.

You can nominate a great Australian online now at Australian of the Year Awards website or call 1300 655 193 for more information.