Media response - Youth Recognition Awards

Published on 14 February 2023

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

• Regarding the 2023 Youth Recognition Awards, could we get a comment (perhaps from Moira) about the important role young people play in the community? And how important is recognition, such as these awards?

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

Onkaparinga's youth are our future community leaders, scientists, teachers, artists, employers, entrepreneurs and change makers, so it's imperative we support them as much as possible and include them in any conversations about our future.

Our young people have so much to offer, and I'm not only inspired by their unique perspectives, talent and hard work, I'm proud of the way many of Onkaparinga's young people give back to their community, driven only by kindness and compassion.

We think it's vital to recognise, celebrate and honour our young people – helping to inspire them and open pathways – and our award programs are a great way to do this. In fact, one of our previous Young Citizen of the Year recipients was recently elected to Council.

The Youth Recognition Awards wouldn't happen without the fantastic work of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee – an active group of 12-25-year-olds who meet regularly to advocate for young people and drive change in our community. These young people read through all the applications and play a key role in the award selection process. The awards evening is then co-designed and delivered with this youth committee and our Youth Team.

ENDS