By TANIA PHILLIPS
THERE is just one week left to nominate for this year’s Tweed Shire Kids in Community Awards.
Nominations close on 11 October for the awards, which are now in their fourth year on the Tweed after originating in Lismore in 2000.
The awards are all about highlighting the significant work and achievements young people are making in our community according to organising committee chairman Mark Madden.
He said since 2010 the Tweed awards have recognised more than 150 local young people.
Award categories are: include Caring for others; Celebrating our cultural diversity; Serving our community; Raising for charity; Enriching community life; Leading their peers; Achieving against all odds; Protecting our planet; Adults supporting youth and Media promoting youth.
Madden said the awards scheme was totally funded by business support through sponsorship and donations of goods and services and culminated in a gala dinner in the Showroom at Twin Towns Services Club, on Wednesday 20 November.
Tweed Shire KIC Awards committee member, and former award recipient, Matthew Kirkham said the awards were important to the community.
“The awards highlight the incredible commitment and achievements of local young people in terms of community service, caring for others and generally having a go,” he said.
“The awards night is truly inspirational in terms of showcasing the contribution Tweed kids are making to the community as well as highlighting what talented young people we have with the night’s entertainment. As a former nominee and award recipient I felt very honoured and fortunate to have been recognised in such a manner.”
The overall winner of the 2012 Tweed Shire KIC Awards was Jackson Ross who was born with a muscular condition that has meant spending his life in a wheelchair.
He has been an active and capable student and attended a range of state and national conferences relating to youth disabilities and leadership, representing his school. He has also been involved in community service and fund-raising events. He has also completed a scuba diving certificate and last year obtained his drivers’ licence.
Many young people nominated for KIC Awards are not conventional achievers: they may not excel in sporting or academic pursuits. Yet, their optimism, generosity, enthusiasm, perseverance or courage has awakened others to opportunities or needs within our local communities.
“We get support from local high schools and community organisations with nominations and the business community has also really got behind the scheme over the past three years with their generous support,” Madden said.
“We are particularly pleased with the ongoing support for this year’s scheme with major sponsors The Good Guys South Tweed and Cricks Mitsubishi Tweed.”
A range of sponsorship options still exist for local businesses to consider and information can be made available by contacting Mark Madden at the Tweed Heads PCYC on 07 5599 1714 or email mmadden@pcycnsw.org.au.
Nominations can also be completed on-line on the Kids in Community website – www.kic.com.au.
