These awards recognise the vital role that young people play in making Forbes a vibrant and strong community and are presented as part of Youth Week activities from April 14 to 22.

2017 winner, Rosie Yapp, explains what this recognition means to her.

“Winning the award made me aware that things I do are appreciated. I was incredibly surprised and wasn’t sure I deserved it, but I’m so happy I received it,” she said.

She encouraged others to nominate someone for the awards.

“It celebrates and encourages awesome young people by letting them know they are appreciated,” she said.

Nominations for the 2018 Youth Week Awards will close at 5pm on Wednesday and Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Development Assistant, Lauren Cook, encourages everyone to stand behind the young people of Forbes.

“This is a great acknowledgement of the awesome things Forbes youth are achieving in and for our community. I really hope the people of Forbes will nominate those youth who deserve this accolade, as I am certain there are many who do,” Ms Cook said.

In 2018, there are three Youth Week Award categories: Youth Citizenship Award, Sports Volunteer Award, and Brighter Future Award. The Awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Halpin Flat (corner Bedgerebong Rd and Farnell St), beginning at 12 noon, with the general public invited to attend.

“It’s going to be a great day celebrating Forbes’ youth, with the Youth Week Awards, music and food, followed on by the Colour Run for 12-25 year olds. It would be wonderful to see the whole town get involved!”

Nomination forms are available to download from the Forbes Shire Council website under the Youth Week section. For more information contact Lauren Cook on youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6850 2357.