The annual awards recognise and reward young Western Australians aged 12 to 25 years, youth-led groups or organisations and youth workers who have made a positive difference through their achievements and contributions to the community.

Ms Davies said the awards showcased the talent young people demonstrated through leadership, citizenship, caring for the environment and by acting as role models.

“Over the past 11 years, the WA Youth Awards have celebrated the success of many young people who have demonstrated outstanding passion and achievement,” Ms Davies said.

“It is particularly important for young people from regional areas like Wagin, who often go unrecognised, to nominate for these awards and be rewarded for their efforts.”

This year a new award has been introduced for outstanding youth workers, who make a significant difference to the lives of so many young people.

An overall winner will be chosen as the 2010 WA Young Person of the Year.

Last year, 23-year-old Terrence Winner from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, was named the WA Young Person of the Year for his efforts to promote paternal rights, fight racism and achieve positive results for young people in the Goldfields.

Category winners will be announced on July 16 and receive a $2000 cash prize and a trophy.

The WA Young Person of the Year would also receive return flights for two people to a European destination.

Entries close at 5pm on March 5 and finalists will be announced during National Youth Week (April 10-18).

For an entry form visit www.communities.wa.gov.au or contact the Department for Communities on 6217 8400.

For more information please contact Mia Davies on 0412 656 005.

The eight categories in the 2010 WA Youth Awards are:

• BHP Billiton Innovate! Award

• Woodside Motivate! Award

• Office for Youth Recreate! Award

• Propel Youth Arts Create! Award

• Department of Environment and Conservation Activate! Award

• Edith Cowan University Educate! Award

• Commissioner for Children and Young People Participate! Award

• Minister for Youth’s Most Outstanding Youth Worker Award