The 2025 Geelong Youth Award nominations are now open!
In a city shaped by ambition, community and creativity, the future is in good hands and the City of Greater Geelong is putting the spotlight on the young people helping lead the way.
Nominations are officially open for the 2025 Geelong Youth Awards, recognising young people aged 12 to 25 who are making a difference across the region.
Geelong Youth Awards
- When: Awards ceremony Friday 5 September
- Where: Norlane ARC
- Nominations: open now
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Whether through leadership, cultural advocacy, creativity, sport, or community work, the awards celebrate those quietly, and not so quietly, shaping the future of Geelong.
Run by the City of Greater Geelong, the Youth Awards are a cornerstone event in the region’s youth calendar.
They’re designed to recognise the impact, passion, and drive of young people who live, work, learn or play in the area.
The awards ceremony will take place at Norlane ARC on Friday 5 September, forming part of Victoria’s broader Youth Fest; a month-long statewide celebration of youth contributions and achievements.
Celebrating the spectrum of youth impact in Geelong
There are nine award categories, each capturing a different facet of youth engagement and excellence:
- Active Achievement Award
- Arts & Music Award
- Citizenship Award
- Cultural Awareness Award
- Innovation Award
- Inspiration Award
- Leadership Award
- Unsung Hero Award
- Volunteer Award – Working with young people (open to all ages)
The categories range from high-profile leadership and innovation roles, to more grassroots recognition, like the Unsung Hero Award, created in 2022 by the Geelong Youth Council to highlight those who may not always be in the spotlight but are making a deep, quiet impact behind the scenes.
Winners across each category will receive a trophy and a $500 contribution to support their future goals, whether that’s further education, a new creative project, or community initiatives.
With the awards now in their 20th year, the callout for nominations is stronger than ever.
“The Geelong Youth Awards are all about celebrating the young people who are doing amazing things – big or small – in our community,” said Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj.
“We’re lucky to have so many engaged and thriving young people who are contributing to Geelong’s social and cultural fabric, economy and environment.”
Last year, a record 132 nominations were submitted, and with this year’s awards aligning with Youth Fest, organisers hope to see even more.
Mayor Kontelj encourages the community to think beyond the obvious candidates.
“Think about the quiet achievers, changemakers, creatives and leaders in your life – if someone just popped into your head, that’s your sign to nominate them!”
Led by youth, for youth
An important feature of the awards is the involvement of the Geelong Youth Council, a group of young leaders who help guide youth engagement strategies across the region.
Not only did they establish the Unsung Hero category, but this year’s Youth Council members will also serve on the judging panel and speak at the September awards ceremony.
Junior Mayor Ayush Singh said the awards were a source of personal motivation and community pride.
“It is truly inspiring to see people around my age do such great things for the community,” he said, “and really pushes me to do better myself.”
This kind of peer-to-peer recognition is a driving force behind the awards. They’re not just about trophies and applause — they’re about building a culture where young people are seen, heard and supported in their ambitions.
How to nominate
Anyone can submit a nomination; teachers, peers, parents, coaches, employers, youth workers, and even friends.
Nominees must be aged 12–25 and live, work, study or spend regular time in Greater Geelong.
Nominations are open now and close on Sunday 20 July.
For more information, or to nominate someone, head here.
