NEW SOUTH WALES
7NEWS Young Achiever Awards - NSW/ACT

Education is life changing. It takes place not only in educational institutions but in everyday situations.
The Aboriginal Education Council through its Aboriginal Education Award seeks to recognise Indigenous and Non Indigenous young people engaged in the education, support and empowerment of Aboriginal people, by working with and for Aboriginal people and culture, in all fields of endeavour.
The applicants will be drawn from the Community, the Classroom or institutions. This awards targets those who are passionate about providing and improving education and knowledge for, about or with Aboriginal people.
The Award will recognise young men and women who have the skills and ability to support, inspire and empower not Aboriginal people but the Australian Community as a whole.
Questions
Outline the nominees educational field
Outline the nominee's progress in this field, in particular focusing over the last 12 months.
Outline how the nominee has used initiative, engaged in innovative practice and excelled as an educator.
How has the nominee displayed or supported a positive philosophy and demonstrated good educational and learning practices?
How have the students and the community benefitted from the innovative approach of the nominee?
Describe how the nominee has made a positive contribution to their profession.
Outline the nominee’s commitment to personal development and further educational opportunities
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

The Awards Australia Foundation is passionate about connecting with and supporting communities right across the country to create a brighter future.
- Provide a brief background and history of the group and key participants, and how their initiative is “Connecting Communities”.
- Outline the short and long term goals of the group and their achievements to date.
- Describe any technology, data or innovation that has played a part in the community initiative:a) In planningb) In the way the project is deliveredc) In the way the project is received (by participants/community)
- Demonstrate the value of the initiative to the local community. You can use media clippings, testimonials, photos (provide links or utilise the Attachments section) as well as commentary to respond.
- Provide details of any challenges and/or obstacles that have had to be overcome and how this has been achieved.
- In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

The Awards Australia Student Award recognises students of all ages who demonstrate commitment and achievement through their education and personal interests.
This award is open to students from all educational settings and backgrounds, including primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational, alternative and home-based learning environments.
Achievements may be academic or non-academic and can include progress or accomplishment in learning, sport, music, arts, cultural pursuits, community involvement, innovation or other areas of interest.
The Award celebrates students who apply themselves to their learning, pursue their interests with dedication, and make positive contributions within their school/learning community, or wider community.
Questions
Provide a brief overview of the student, including their current year level or course of study, and educational setting (school, institution, training provider or learning environment).
Describe the student’s key achievements and areas of involvement. These may be academic or non-academic and can include learning outcomes, sporting pursuits, creative or cultural activities, community involvement, or other interests.
Explain how the student demonstrates ongoing commitment and participation in their studies or chosen activities. Include examples that show effort, consistency or improvement over time.
Describe the impact the student’s achievements or involvement have had on themselves, their school or learning environment, or the wider community, and outline their future goals or aspirations related to learning or personal development.
Provide a 25-word summary of achievements for use in media, judging and promotional material, including for use on the Awards night.

This award recognises Young Australians who’re pursuing their careers with passion and vitality, showing motivation, drive and determination to succeed in their chosen field of work or interest.
Whether they are striving to ascend a corporate ladder, progressing from apprentice to workshop manager, or have a focus on proactivity and innovation in the workplace, the award recognises those that are showing that career success can start, and grow through work in any role.
The Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award promotes innovation, high achievement, hard work, leadership, and a desire for self-improvement. The award also recognises career work that includes or benefits the nominee’s local or wider community.
The Award will reward those who make the most of their opportunities and seeks information from the nominee in regard to;
Questions
- Background of Career profile
- Has the nominee shown creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial skills?
- Examples of initiative, planning, management and leadership
- Outline any personal development
- Length/sustainability of position
- Describe any community participation, involvement and contribution
- In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

- Outline your health contribution, including who has and who will benefit.
- Outline your area of expertise, qualifications and what outcomes have been achieved?
- Number of hours contributed, paid and/or unpaid.
- Discuss any challenges you have faced and how they have been overcome.
- If relevant, provide examples of how collaboration and partnerships have played a part in your achievements.
- In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Indigenous youths are creating opportunities and success through leadership in their field, community engagement, giving back and creating pathways for future generations.
The Nura Gili Indigenous Leadership Award is for Indigenous people up to the age of 30 who demonstrate leadership in their chosen area of study, work and/or specialised field. Leadership can mean they may have implemented or contributed to Indigenous groups, communities, organisations, or education that has created positive impacts. Nominees will embody one, or more of the Nura Gili Indigenous Strategy three pillars:
- Culture and Country, celebrating culture and fostering connection to country
- Give Back, contributing to local and wider communities
- Grow Our Own, developing pathways for others
Questions
Tell us about the nominee’s leadership and outline any outstanding achievements.
How has their community benefited from positive change?
What is the nominee’s future vision and plans for their community?
Describe how the nominee embodies one, or more of the Nura Gili Indigenous Strategy three pillars: Culture and Country, Give Back, Grow Our Own. More information on these pillars can be found at https://www.indigenous.unsw.edu.au/strategy.
- In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlight your achievements and impacts make. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

Many young people in NSW are passionate about creating change. The Office for Youth Create Change Award will recognise young people who are driving activities, programs and initiatives that promote or create change in NSW.
The Office for Youth Create Change Award acknowledges and celebrates the commitment young people across NSW make in achieving or participating in positive activities that empower others and make change locally, nationally and/or internationally.
Nominees must be based in NSW (statewide, excluding ACT) and be within the ages of 12-25, as of 31 December 2025.
Applications from new nominees and projects are encouraged. Previous nominees and finalists across all categories of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards are eligible, however the nomination must be for a new initiative.
Questions
Outline the program, project or initiative that the nominee has been involved with to create change, including the date it started.
What specific outcomes and successes has the nominee achieved or been involved with to create change in the last 12 months?
Why is the nominee’s program or initiative needed and who has benefited?
Describe any barriers or difficulties the nominee has encountered.
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

- Outline the nominee’s background in design
- How has the nominee excelled in their role? What qualities have they displayed: initiative, work ethic, willingness to learn, etc.?
- Commitment to personal development in the design field
- Training and education level
- Prizes and Awards – Local, national, international
- Does the nominee have any involvement with their community or the wider industry?
Level of any past or future sacrifices made or difficulties overcome - In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner

At Signature Learning and Development, we pride ourselves on being different and not always following the rule book. We are passionate about empowering growth through innovative learning and development programs, unlocking potential in young people by fostering skills, knowledge and leadership in a dynamic, engaging and supportive environment.
Which is why we are excited to introduce the Signature Learning and Development Courageous Leadership Award.
Young people are demonstrating leadership in their community, industry and beyond through courage, dedication, passion and a willingness to learn. They may have overcome difficulty, adversity or hardship to achieve excellent outcomes and taken some risks along the way.
This award will celebrate leaders who are bold, proud to be different and pave the way for others to follow…acknowledging that sometimes rules need to be broken, in order to shape the future.
Questions
How has the Nominee demonstrated courageous leadership and what are some specific achievements and positive outcomes they have accomplished through their leadership?
Outline any training, education or self-development the Nominee has undertaken to level up their leadership.
Describe any significant challenges the Nominee has faced and how they’ve overcome them.
How has the Nominee’s leadership positively impacted their industry/community, and who specifically has benefited?
What long-term impact or legacy do the nominee’s leadership efforts create?
In 25 words (2-3 sentences), please summarise your nomination; highlighting your achievements and impacts made. This summary will be used for all media purposes and onstage presentations at the gala dinner.

At Symal, innovation is driven by our people—by curiosity, collaboration and the courage to challenge what’s possible. The Symal Innovation Award celebrates young people who are innovating with intent to create practical solutions and build better futures.
Across communities and industries, many young people are applying their skills, time and creativity to address important social and economic challenges. Driven by purpose, they are developing innovative and sustainable solutions that deliver real-world impact.
Whether through social enterprise, entrepreneurship, community programs or other innovative initiatives, the Symal Innovation Award recognises individuals and groups who are pushing boundaries with purpose—demonstrating lasting solutions that respond to the needs of both current and future generations.
Eligibility Note: Group nominations must demonstrate that those leading the group and driving the initiative are school-age to 30 years of age, as per the Conditions of Entry.
Questions
- Outline the nominee’s background, including their motivations, education and experience to date. Please also specify whether this initiative is a solo effort or part of a team or organisation.
- Describe how the nominee is demonstrating innovation with intent and how their initiative is contributing to building a better future.
- What impacts has the nominee achieved? Share specific outcomes, successes and evidence of sustainable solutions, including who has benefited.
- Describe any challenges or obstacles the nominee has encountered and how they have been, or are being, addressed.
- In 25 words (2–3 sentences), summarise the nomination by highlighting the nominee’s achievements and impact. This summary will be used for media and on-stage presentations at the gala dinner.




