Nominations are open for both the Penrith and Liverpool Young Champions Awards. So do not hesitate to celebrate the achievements of a young person you know, be it a neighbour, your student or your own child, by nominating them for these prestigious awards.

The last date for nominations has been extended to Monday, 12^th August for Penrith and Tuesday 20^th August for Liverpool.

This highly regarded event will honour all young finalists with a medal and award on stage at a Gala Awards Evening on Friday, August 23rd, at St Marys League Club for Penrith and Saturday, September 7^th, at Liverpool Catholic Club for Liverpool.

These evenings promise to be a heart-warming celebration of our future leaders, uniting the community in recognition of outstanding young individuals.

Here are just three inspiring young nominees for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the local community:

• Jaxon Dunn, a 16-year-old volunteer at the Penrith Community Kitchen and SES, has been nominated in the Community Service Seniors category for his dedication and willingness to support the community.

• Thammu Nidhivanan, just 10 years old, has excelled in the ancient Indian martial art of Kalari, known for its breathtaking stick and spear fighting techniques, earning him a nomination in the Sports Junior category.

• Naiarlah Farrell-Slade-Lornie, the Aboriginal Leader at Kingswood Park Public School for 2024, has shown a deep passion for learning and sharing her culture, leading to her nomination in the Leadership Juniors category.

The Young Champions Awards, initiated by entrepreneur Brian Laul, Chairperson of Rainbow Crossing Inc., and Campbelltown’s Citizen of the Year, aims to acknowledge the achievements of young people under 19 and celebrate their contributions to the wider community.

“It is my hope that these awards will inspire young people of all backgrounds to rise above their difficulties and pursue a journey of excellence”, Mr. Laul said.

“We have so many talented and passionate under-19s creating positive changes and sometimes just a pat on the back, a little appreciation, can make a real difference and motivate them to achieve even greater heights.”

Currently organized by Rainbow Crossing Inc. across five LGAs, with a target of expanding to eight by next year, the current Young Champions Awards rounds are open to young people under 19 living, studying, or working in the Penrith and Liverpool LGAs.

The awards span 20 categories, including individual, group, and special awards. For more details, visit https://youngchampionsawards.com/  or call 4626 7777.