NEW SOUTH WALES

7NEWS Young Achiever Awards - NSW/ACT

Aboriginal Education Council Aboriginal Education Award
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 of Aboriginal people, education about Aboriginal people and culture, or education with Aboriginal people. 
The applicants will be drawn from Community Educators, Community Members, Classroom Teachers, Assistant Teachers or school or institution Students or Support Staff, who are passionate about providing and improving education for, about or with Aboriginal people. 
The Award will recognise young men and women who have the skills and ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and ages.
  • Outline the nominees educational background
  • Outline the nominee's progress as a educator, in particular focusing over the last 12 months.
  • Outline how the nominee has used initiative, engaged in innovative practice and excelled as a educator.
  • How has the nominee displayed or supported a positive philosophy and demonstrated good educational and learning practices?
    1. How have the students, other staff 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 education
  • 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.
Awards Australia Foundation Connecting Communities Award

The Awards Australia Foundation is passionate about connecting with and supporting communities right across the country to create a brighter future. 


The Awards Australia Foundation Connecting Communities Award celebrates young individuals or groups that drive grassroots, ‘real life’ initiatives that demonstrate genuine engagement and add long-term value to local communities. 
These initiatives may meet a specific need or simply be a fun way to celebrate being part of a community. This includes fostering a strong sense of community spirit and enhancing the way people connect within the community. 

The Connecting Communities Award is open to individuals, or a group of two or more young people. Nominees for group nominations must be able to demonstrate that those leading the group and driving the initiative, 30 years of age or under, as per the Conditions of Entry.
  • 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 planning 
    b) In the way the project is delivered
    c) 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.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Create Change Award

Many young people in regional NSW are passionate about creating change. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Create Change Award will recognise young people who are driving activities, programs and initiatives that promote or create change in regional NSW.

The Create Change Award acknowledges and celebrates the commitment young people across regional NSW make in achieving or participating in positive activities that empower change locally, nationally and/or internationally.

*Nominees must be based in regional NSW.

  • Outline the program, project or initiative that the nominee has been involved with to create change
  • What specific outcomes and successes has the nominee achieved or been involved with to incite change?
  • Who has benefited from the programs/initiatives? Outline any specific benefit to regional NSW.
  • Why is the nominees program or initiative needed?
  • 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.

Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award

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;

  • 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.
Ministry of Health Achievement in Health Award
The Ministry of Health Achievement in Health Award is open to young people of any cultural background, to celebrate those contributing to positive health and wellbeing outcomes in the community.
There are many who passionately and selflessly provide support, guidance, encouragement, assistance or professional services to improve access to health services or support. They offer hope, inspiration and voluntary assistance to people who need support and networks to improve their quality of life.
This award acknowledges the services, efforts, actions and positive input provided by volunteers, carers and health professionals. These individuals create a sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life of those who depend on them.
  • 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.
Nura Gili Indigenous Leadership Award

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

  • 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.
OSMEN Furniture Creative Design Award
OSMEN is excited to highlight the next wave of designers. The OSMEN Furniture Creative Design Award applauds the many achievements the new generation of potential has to offer. We look forward to seeing young designers in every creative field strive towards superior design, quality, and value. 

OSMEN Furniture is internationally renowned for our modern and innovative collections. We have been providing timeless European designs, Australian alfresco style, and our original OSMEN designs since 2000. Now, we are excited to share our passion for excellence in design with young, upcoming designers. 

The Creative Design Award is given to emerging designers who are working hard to make a difference through their expressive capacities. These young designers may be (but not restricted to) architects, outdoor landscapers, builders of outdoor home extensions, outdoor designers and pool services. Through the Creative Design Award, OSMEN Outdoor Furniture will support young people who are inspiring or influencing others in the field of design.
  • 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
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award will honour young people who are leaders in their field, doing their part to showcase New South Wales as a destination of choice or providing exceptional guest experiences through gracious hospitality.


The Fullerton Hotel Sydney believe in bringing the warmth of genuine service to everything that they do. This award will celebrate those who provide personable, meaningful experiences to others or develop new initiatives for tourists and visitors to enjoy what NSW has to offer. It could be part of an existing business, a new venture, a program to improve inclusion and accessibility, or an innovative new approach to travelling, dining or accommodation. NSW has so many destinations, tours, events and festivals, so this award is open to any young person contributing to the travel, tourism or hospitality industries and will applaud contributions demonstrating passion, innovation and outstanding customer service.

  • Provide a brief overview of the business/organisation and the nominee’s position/role.

  • Detail how has the individual made an overall impact on the business, organisation or their venture? (Please include examples of where the nominee has displayed management, leadership, innovation skills above and beyond what is required.) 

  • Describe how has the nominee made a positive and lasting impact to the broader industry in the past 12 months? 

  • Provide examples of the nominee’s commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience?

  • How does the nominee’s contribution showcase NSW as a destination of choice?

    Outline how the nominee’s activities contribute to the local and wider community; and benefits to NSW.

  • 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.

Western Sydney University Academic Achievement Award
The Western Sydney University has celebrated excellence since 1989 and for this reason is committed to recognising outstanding students throughout NSW and the ACT. The Western Sydney University Academic Achievement Award will acknowledge young people displaying passion, drive, a willingness to learn and work hard to help them create opportunities and achieve excellent outcomes in their chosen field. 
  • Outline the area of study and academic achievements
  • How do the achievements compare to others involved in the same field?
  • How do the achievements impact the community?
  • Barriers or difficulties and how they have been overcome.
  • Examples of initiative, planning, management and leadership.
  • 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.