The purpose of the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards is to acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young Territorians aged between 14 and 26 years of age.

The Awards recognise the achievements of Northern Territory’s youth in nine categories, which are:

Community Service
Arts
Sport
Career Achievement
Environment
Science & Engineering
Young Carer’s
Regional and Rural Initiative
Excellence in Youth Leadership

Important Dates:
Launch		Darwin - Friday 29th August 2008 Alice Springs - Thursday 28th August 2008
Close of Nominations		Friday 28th November 2008
Judging		February 2009
Awards Presentation		Saturday 28th March 2009

The winner of each of the nine categories will be presented with a magnificent trophy and $2,000 Build Up Saver Account from TIO. The ultimate winner, The Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year, will receive an additional $2,000 Build Up Saver Account from TIO and a handcrafted glass trophy.

Three category finalists are selected for each category award.

From the three category finalists one category winner is selected as the category award winner.

From the nine category winners one is selected as the overall state winner, The Channel Nine Young Achiever of the Year for the Northern Territory.

Judging will take place in February 2009.

The judging panel will include representatives from award patrons, presenters, sponsors and independent expert judges for each category.

The decisions of the judging panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The finalists and winners of the Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards will be announced at a special gala awards presentation dinner held on Saturday 28th March 2009.

The presentation dinner will be a formal event attended by about 350 people including VIP guests.

		The awards presentation evening is part of National Youth Week in March 2009

	The Somerville Community Service Award When hard times hit or disaster strikes, our selfless young men and women often make the difference by giving their guidance, encouragement and much needed support. Volunteers spend their time offering friendship, hope and inspiration to the disadvantaged and those who need it most. The Somerville Community Service Award applauds our unsung heroes acknowledging those young people who are passionate in putting the needs of others first.
	The Charles Darwin University Arts Award The spirit of creativity exhibited by Australia's talented young artists helps us all to think creatively and express ourselves with emotion. In our multicultural society, a commitment to personal development in the arts is emerging, especially among today's youth. The Charles Darwin University Arts Award celebrates their brilliant artistic achievements and recognises the incredible imagination, initiative and flair required to produce such inspirational work.
	The Perkins Shipping Sports Award Today's young athletes are tomorrow's sporting heroes. They are dedicated young Australians with a strong spirit of competition and love of the game. Encouraging and supporting the ambition and hard work of these focused individuals, helps them to go further, faster, longer and higher than anyone before. Whether it's competing, coaching, administration or education, the Perkins Shipping Sports Award seeks to applaud their talents and recognise their commitment in the pursuit of excellence.
	The Career Achievement Award More and more young Australians are rolling up their sleeves and climbing up the corporate ladder to enjoy challenging and rewarding careers. By implementing new initiatives in the workplace, running their own businesses and thriving in management roles, our youth are proving career success can start young. The Career Achievement Award promotes active leadership, a hunger for knowledge and self-motivation, rewarding those who make their own opportunities to succeed in our competitive economic environment.
	The ConocoPhillips Environment Award Pollution, climate changes, salinity and other environmental concerns affect us all. While many of us try to make a difference, it's Australia's young people who are actively using their initiative to stop destruction of our environment and help repair the damage. By developing programs and using new technology, it's these dedicated young individuals who are helping to educate us all. The ConocoPhillips Environment Award salutes those who are dedicated to saving planet Earth by nurturing and protecting our natural surroundings.
	The Power & Water Science and Engineering Award Our Science and Engineering know how is accelerating at an astounding rate. Young Australian scientists make incredible new discoveries for a more prosperous future. Young scientists and engineers are proving to be at the forefront of their fields and hold the key to our future development and way of life. The Power & Water Science and Engineering Award honours the people behind these intelligent and visionary achievements.
	The Department of Health & Families Young Carer’s Award Young people are constructively making a difference by supporting the elderly and disabled by caring for their daily needs. Giving their time to make life more comfortable, improve independence, confidence and self worth, and often health. This help can be the difference between hospital or home, happiness or depression, self respect or feeling a hindrance and alone. This award will be presented to a young carer that is making a outstanding contribution in this field.
	The McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award Australia is a Nation that is constantly growing and changing. Young Australians are helping their local communities to achieve this by developing primary industries, manufacturing, tourism and employment opportunities. They are helping to ensure sustainability and promote positive images of regional Australia. The McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award acknowledges and rewards those young Australians who are helping to reshape and inspire their local communities.
	The Minister for Young Territorians Excellence in Youth Leadership Award Young people showing strong leadership ability think creatively and act decisively. They help motivate and inspire others to aim high. In business, commerce and the community, effective young leaders are emerging displaying initiative, innovation and a commitment to excellence. Their positive approach to life and outstanding contributions to society are a credit to themselves and their families. The Excellence in Youth Leadership Award gives special recognition to honour and encourage youth leadership.