Nominations for the 2017 Victorian Young Achiever Awards have officially opened. The awards recognise young people who have made a real difference to their communities.

Member for Yuroke Ros Spence said young people in Melbourne’s outer north had made great contributions to the community and encouraged local residents to nominate young achievers who had made a difference.

Young people are our future leaders and change-makers. The Victorian Young Achiever Awards recognise and encourage them for their tremendous efforts and showcase them as role models.

The Andrews Labor Government is a proud supporter of the Victorian Young Achiever Awards through its sponsorship of the Victorian Government Group Achievement in the Community Award. This award recognises young people who have worked together to provide a service, program or project for young people that has resulted in positive, youth-led changes in a local community.

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards are open to young people aged up to 29 years. The awards recognise the achievement of young people across categories ranging from leadership, volunteering and arts and fashion.

One of the category winners will be declared the 2017 Victorian Young Achiever of the Year.

Nominations are now open and close on 1 December, 2016. For more information or to nominate a young achiever, visit www.awardsaustralia.com/young-achiever-awards/vic