Recognising the outstanding efforts undertaken by the region’s young people in all areas of life is the aim of the Warrnambool and Moyne Youth Achiever Awards, with nominations now open.

Young people aged from 12-21 can be nominated in categories including sport, academics, arts and culture as well as community and leadership.

Warrnambool City Council Youth Development Planner Katie McKean said that the annual awards highlighted the tremendous success stories of young locals, many of whom felt like they weren’t doing anything special.

“I am constantly amazed at the volume of young people quietly achieving great things in Warrnambool and Moyne,” she said.

“For many, the fact that their passion has been identified by someone else as an area of success is a real thrill.

“The youth achiever awards are a great way to celebrate a year of hard work and encourage those nominated to go on to bigger and better things.

“If you know someone who could be a worthy nominee, I urge you to take a few minutes to submit a nomination.”

Nominations close at 5pm on November 18.

The awards ceremony will be held on February 8, 2017, at the Lighthouse Theatre.