Nominations are open for the 2019 Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Awards and your vote counts.

Residents have until Friday 25 October, to submit a nomination for youth who they believe deserve consideration for formal recognition, for their outstanding work and support of the community.

Last year’s winner of the Community Involvement category, Sarah Al Helfy, said she felt honoured and appreciated when she received the award.

“It was a great opportunity to notice that both my hard work, and the work of like-minded people, was being recognised,” she said.

“By being nominated, I was given the confidence to keep striving towards creating greater opportunities and change for others in the community.

“Recognising young people for their leadership roles empowers them to lead with dignity, determination and fearlessness. It gives me great pride knowing young people can make a positive impact towards our future.”

Mayor Khal Asfour agrees.

“Today’s youth are potentially tomorrow’s leaders, independent thinkers and community builders,” he said.

“These awards are a way of recognising our great young achievers in a public way and encourage them to continue to pursue their passions.

“Whether it’s achievements in sport, academics, volunteering, leadership or creative pursuits, it all deserves a mention and I encourage everyone to consider taking time to lodge a nomination.”

This year’s award categories are:

• Sport;
• Leadership;
• Community involvement;
• Academic achievement;
• Inspiration; and
• Creative/performing arts.

The awards are open to youth who live in, work in and or study in CBCity, with winners of each category receiving a cash prize of $200 and all finalists $50.

The 2019 Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Awards are supported by Bankstown City Unity Bank and Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, and more information can be found at cb.city/youth