In a celebration of National Youth Week the Stanthorpe Community Development Services, in partnership with Southern Downs Regional Council, Headspace Southern Downs and sponsors Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA), Campbell Page, Big W Warwick, and Stanthorpe YMCA, recently held the inaugural Stanthorpe National Youth Week Awards.
The awards night was an initiative of, and organised by, Rebecca Schroder, Stanthorpe’s youth development officer to recognise and celebrate the contributions of many young people within the Stanthorpe community.
National Youth Week, a joint Common-wealth, State and Territory and Local Government initiative, promotes the positive profiles of young people in the community. It is an opportunity for young people across Australia to participate in community activities, highlight their issues and concerns, and express their ideas and opinions.
Under the slogan, ‘Own It,’ the overall theme for National Youth Week 2011, was an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the value of all young Australians to their communities.
Awards were presented in several categories including Sport, Community, Music and Arts, Indigenous and Business. The 2011 Young Delegates, Andrew Pye, Rebekah Ioane, Lizzy Cole, Josh Marshall, Ashleigh Martin, Jodie Perkins and Sahra Costanzo were also introduced to the audience. The number of well credentialled nominees in all categories is a reflection of the talent of the youth in our community.
The Southern Free Times’ Casey O’Connor was given the honour of presenting several awards including the Male Sports Person of the Year, which was won by Cameron Crestani.
The Young Person of the Year Award was won by Cecilia Campbel, who is a leader in her school (St Joseph’s) community, former president of St Joseph’s Leo Club and a 2010 Young Delegate. She won the Youth of the Year regional final in Goondiwindi and is a recipient of the coveted Pierre de Coubertin Award. Cecilia has been described as both outgoing and an effective leader and communicator who inspires others as she leads by example.
The evening wrapped up with performances from a cross section of young performers in the district. It certainly looks as though the future of the district is in good hands going forward.
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