City of Onkaparinga’s annual Youth Recognition Awards honour the achievements of the region’s young people aged eight to 25 and nominations are now open.

They recognise outstanding actions of young people to improve themself and their community. 

Delivered with the assistance of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee, the annual awards will be presented at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga as part of SA Youth Week on Monday 14 April.

This year sees five awards for young people, with the addition of a new category for an Aboriginal school-aged young person, offered in collaboration with Neporendi Aboriginal Forum Inc.

There is also an award for an Onkaparinga youth sector worker.

The categories for nomination are:

• Learning Success: for young people who have achieved significant academic success.
• Personal Achievement: for those who have overcome adversity and shown resilience through personal hardship to overcome challenges.
• Contribution to Community: for young people who volunteer with community groups, schools and other programs in the district.
• Business, Employment and Social Enterprise: for young people who have turned their ideas into business and social enterprise and who have worked hard to secure employment.
• Onkaparinga Youth Worker of the Year: for a person of any age who works with young people from the Onkaparinga area in any capacity.
• Neporendi Deadly Achievers Award: for an Aboriginal school-aged young person living in the City of Onkaparinga who is making an impact through their contribution to Aboriginal culture, community or Country.

Nominations close at midday on Monday 17 March. Find out more about the categories and how to nominate on the council website.