We have exceptional young people in Greater Bendigo. They make small and large contributions to our community that make a lasting, positive impact on our lives every day. Too often this goes unrecognised, but they keep quietly working and using their skills and talents to make our neighbourhood, our city, and our world a better place.

It’s often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but we know that young people are leaders today. Young people are kind, creative, innovative, and generous with their time. We know that every young person in our community contributes to improving the lives and experiences of those around them through their actions, both big and small. Others in our community don’t always see the hard work young people put into improving themselves and the world around them.

The City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards is an opportunity to change this. We want to recognise and celebrate our young people, thank them for their valued and important contributions, and tell their stories.

Nominate a young person you know for a City of Greater Bendigo Youth Award.

Categories
 

Creativity and Innovation
Nominate someone who is using or has used entrepreneurship, trailblazing, outside-the-box thinking, or an artistic practice like literature, art, or music to make a positive impact.

Contribution to the community
Nominate someone who is or has given selflessly by volunteering, empowering or engaging others, or doing advocacy work to create positive change for the community.

Excellence in Leadership
Nominate an inspiring young leader who lifts others up, coordinates a team or group, or has demonstrated great leadership in their work with others to obtain a shared goal.

Teamwork and Collaboration
Nominate a group, team, or partnership who are collaborating or has worked together in the spirit of success to benefit the community.

Sustainability and Environment
Nominate someone who is doing or has done work to care for the environment and create a more sustainable future through advocacy, promotion, or practical projects.

Inclusion and Equity
Nominate someone who has made or is making our community more accessible, inclusive, and equitable by standing up for and including those who are different, excluded, or face barriers.

Age Categories

One winner in each Award Category will be selected in each of the following age groups: 

• 12-17 years old
• 18-25 years old

Note: This does not apply to the Teamwork and Collaboration Group Award. Only one Teamwork and Collaboration group award is presented within the 12–25 age category.
 

Why have Youth Awards?

The City of Greater Bendigo Youth Awards Program is an initiative that came out of engagement with Young People in Greater Bendigo. Young people have been closely involved in the creation and development of the Youth Awards at every step of the way. The program has been endorsed by the Council in the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Action Plan 2023 – 2024. The development of the Youth Awards Program has been overseen by the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council, an advisory and advocacy committee that represents the voice of young people who work, live, and/or study in Greater Bendigo. The program aims to recognise the everyday contributions of young people in our community that often go unrecognised, and to tell their stories.

Nominating

Nominations for the 2026 Youth Awards have now opened and will close on September 15 2026. Nominate a young person by filling out the nomination form. 

For questions and inquiries, please email [email protected]
 

Youth Award Winners 2025 and 2024

We extend our congratulations to all the finalists, nominees, and everyone who helped make the 2025 Youth Awards such a resounding success! By clicking the link below, you will find the Youth Awards winners of 2025 and 2024, showcasing their inspiring stories and outstanding contributions young people are making in our community in Greater Bendigo.

To view the past winners and their stories, please click the link here