The 2017 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards campaign was launched this week in Darwin.

Nominations for young Territorians aged between 12 – 29 are now open.

The Young Achiever Awards acknowledge and highlight the achievements of young Australians, encouraging them to achieve their goals and build self-confidence.

Award categories include:

• Minister for Territory Families Excellence in Youth Leadership Award;
• Northern Territory Government Young Indigenous Educator Award;
• Northern Territory Government Young Carer’s Award;
• Northern Territory Government Small Business Achievement Award;
• Somerville Community Services Award;
• Charles Darwin University Arts Award;
• Genesee and Wyoming Australia Indigenous Achievement Award;
• Coffee Club Fashion Award;
• Zip Print Sport Award;
• ConocoPhillips Environment Award;
• Glencore McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award; and
• PTTEP Australasia Health and Wellbeing Award.

Philadelphia Hughes, recipient of the 2016 Career Kickstart Award, addressed the crowd and said, “If I can do it, I can spread the message that other people can do it as well.”

“We are intelligent, successful young people and deserve the recognition and encouragement these awards provide.”

“We are the future leaders of Australia.”

Winning this award has encouraged Philadelphia to chase her dreams of studying medicine and opened doors to positions with Shout Out and Menzies School of Health research.

Winners will share in a $26,000 prize pool. Each recipient will receive $2,000 with the overall winner taking home an additional $2,000.

Nominations close on 13 December 2016 and can be made online via www.awardsaustralia.com.

The awards will be announced on 1 April 2017 during National Youth Week.

Territory Families Media Contact – 8999 2940 or 0475 953 571