Do you know a young person creating positive change in their community? Are you part of a project or organisation that empowers multicultural youth to lead, inspire and thrive? Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on them.
The Multicultural Youth Awards are back to honour Australia’s most inspiring young voices. Designed to celebrate the resilience, creativity, leadership and impact of young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, these awards are open for people aged 16–32 across Victoria and beyond.
These awards recognise excellence in all its forms, with 13 categories including Youth Leader of the Year, Creative Arts, Community Contribution and Young Woman of the Year. Whether it’s through sport, entrepreneurship, advocacy, education or volunteering, celebrate someone creating positive change by nominating them now.
Why these awards matter
The Multicultural Youth Awards are the only awards of their kind in Australia, with a particular focus on young people from multicultural backgrounds who are challenging norms and inspiring change. A standout example of the impact of these awards is La Trobe alumni Lakshmi Ganapathy (pictured above), who was a 2024 finalist in the Creative and Performing Arts Award.
Lakshmi is a theatre-maker and journalist dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her work spans performance, activism and community engagement – from her role in Mother Courage and Her Children at La Mama to her contributions with Indian Link, a publication for the South Asian diaspora.
In 2024, she directed a community-led production of DNA through her company, Mucky Puppy Theatre, engaging 30 young locals as part of the La Mama Emerge program. Lakshmi’s story reflects the creativity, leadership and social impact these awards are designed to celebrate.
How to nominate someone
Nominations are now open until Sunday 31 August for both individuals and organisations – and yes, self-nominations are encouraged!
To be eligible, you must:
- be from a culturally diverse background.
- be aged 16–30 years old
- reside in Australia (for individuals); or
- be part of a community or volunteer organisation, service provider, government agency or business nominated for a specific project, program or initiative that benefits Australians
Don’t miss the chance to have young leaders from your community celebrated on a national stage.