Labor Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, has today called for nominations of outstanding Dandenong young people for the 2018 Victorian Young Achiever Awards.

The Young Achiever Awards provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate the efforts of young Victorians who are making a real difference in our community.

The awards recognise the achievements of Victoria’s young people over 10 sponsored categories, with one of the category winners being named the overall Victorian Young Achiever of the Year.

The Andrews Labor Government is a proud supporter of the awards, now in their seventh year, through its sponsorship of the Group Achievement in the Community Award.

This award specifically recognises young people who have worked together to provide a service, program or project for young people that has resulted in positive changes in a local community.

The Victorian Young Achiever Awards are open to people aged up to 29 years. Categories include regional and rural health, community service, arts and fashion, and small business achievement.

Each category winner receives $2,000 and a trophy. The Victorian Young Achiever of the Year will receive an additional $2,000 flight voucher and a state trophy.

The Government Group Achievement in the Community Award was last year awarded to The Y-House Foundation Youth Committee for their work supporting young people who have suffered traumatic brain and spinal injuries and are living in aged care.

Youth activist Laura Pintur, from Mt Eliza, received the 2017 Young Achiever of the Year Award. Ms Pintur was recognised for helping young people navigate issues such as sex, relationships and the rise of pornography.

Award nominations open today and close on 18 December, 2017. For more information or to nominate a young achiever, visit awardsaustralia.com/young-achiever-awards/vic