Inspiring Youth Awards opening doors for young people
Fourteen-year-old Stanton Burtt from Devonport still doesn’t know who nominated him for the Great Mate Award at the 2025 YFCC Inspiring Youth Awards, but he has his suspicions.
What he does know is the impact the recognition has had on his life.
“Winning the award has opened doors I didn’t know existed,” Stanton said.
“It helped me get a job and go on to win the 2026 Tasmanian Young Achievers Raw Strength in the Community Award.
“When I won the award it felt like a dream. I didn’t understand that what I was doing meant so much to other people and how helping others made such an impact.”
Stanton’s story is exactly why YFCC is once again calling on the community to nominate inspiring young people for the 2026 Inspiring Youth Awards, with nominations opening on Wednesday 29 July.
YFCC Team Leader Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service Damian Collins said the awards celebrate the everyday actions and achievements of young people across North West Tasmania.
“Every day at YFCC we see young people doing meaningful things to help their community, whether that’s volunteering, mentoring peers, starting projects or simply showing up consistently for a team or club,” Mr Collins said.
“It is important that a spotlight is put on our young people and they are publicly acknowledged for the inspiring efforts they are putting into our community.
“We want to see lots of nominations coming in again this year.
“There are three award categories, each designed to let a young person know their contributions are valued and appreciated.”
The awards recognise young people aged 13 to 18 through three categories: the Lowkey Legend Award, Quiet Achiever Award and Great Mate Award.
Winners will be announced at a special presentation lunch on Wednesday 7 October, celebrating the young people making a real difference in their schools, families and communities.
Nominations are open from 29 July to 26 August and can be submitted via the YFCC website www.yfcc.com.au/inspiring-youth-awards.
