IF you want stories of inspiration, look no further.

And if you want faith restored in our youth, this is it.

The RED Carpet Youth Awards, run by Wodonga Council, celebrate all the good that comes from the Border’s young people — their achievements, their triumphs and their inspirational stories.

These stories represent just a small portion of the finalists, and probably an even smaller part of the passion and the commitment of young people that goes unnoticed.

RED Carpet committee member Megan Hildebrand says the awards help dispel stereotypes.

“I think the council felt that young individuals are stereotyped under the umbrella of being lazy, always on their phones, always on Facebook,” she says.

“The aim is to show that there are quite a few individuals in the community making an effort to try to help improve it.

“And there are some quite outstanding finalists — the amount they’ve done at a such a young age just amazes me.

“And I think we have quite a broad range as well.”

There will be a youth engagement launch on Thursday and a gala dinner for the awards on Friday night.

“They’re good for people to see the contribution we’re all making,” Megan says.

“Quite a few young people don’t like those stereotypes — there are some who fit them, but a lot are trying to make an effort to make things better for everyone.”

IT’s safe to say animals helped change Kyle Yates’ life.

“They can’t say anything but you can tell they love you,” Kyle says.

“You can meet a dog and in the first five seconds they’re loyal.”

The 19-year-old from Wodonga is a shining example of someone who has overcome adversity in life.

Having struggled with dyslexia at school, just making it through year 12 was a huge achievement.

“Dyslexia was actually a very unknown thing, teachers just didn’t understand it,” Kyle says.

“But I couldn’t do the work so I just got in trouble; I was a pretty naughty kid and I would have got into more trouble.

“I was told there was no point me being at school but I really wanted to prove people wrong and really wanted my year 12 certificate.”

Things took a real turn for Kyle when he was told to try volunteering for Wodonga Dog Rescue. Kyle, who says he has loved animals his whole life, has been going back ever since.

“Going to the pound was my happy place,” he says.

“I just love it there. And it proves that even with dyslexia or any type of disability you can achieve what you want no matter what.”

Since leaving school Kyle has been accepted into the army.

As a finalist in the awards, he says he’s just happy young people are being recognised for their achievements.

“It feels amazing, it really makes me happy (to be nominated),” he says.

“I’ve never had anything happen before like this and it shows people go out of their way to make volunteers happy, and that people do get known for the work they’ve done.

“It’s not about the rewards, it’s about showing people like your parents that you’re doing a great job. And it encourages other people to do go out there and do things as well.”

AT 22, eco warrior Nicola Jones is already a seasoned campaigner.

After volunteering with elephants in Thailand back in 2011, Nicola says she wanted to continue giving her time and energies back home.

So in 2012 she founded For The Animals, a group that has quickly grown to about 250 members keen to share Nicola’s passion for animals.

“I’ve always been a crazy animal lady, I’m a real sucker for them,” she says.

“Most young people, particularly young people who may be disadvantaged or have an interesting home life, really relate to animals.

“They are always honest, and you find there’s always a really good connection between young people and animals.

“When I started there wasn’t much young people could do — there’s age limits and a lot of rescue groups are hesitant about taking on young people.

“So I just thought ‘why not start something’ and it went from there.”

The group mostly volunteer, walking and washing dogs, cleaning and carrying out maintenance at pounds and wildlife centres. They also fund-raise and their first major event last year raised about $7000. 

But Nicola says it’s also about creating a positive image for the Border’s youth.

“I work with young people as well in the 2 Cool 4 School and have worked with homeless kids,” she says. 

“And I’ve seen first hand the stigma that surrounds young people, and a lot of stuff in the media is generally pretty negative like fighting and graffiti.

“So a big aim of our group is to change perceptions and to make a positive contribution to the community.”

For the Animals has a Facebook group and is involved with Wodonga Dog Rescue, Albury Cat Rescue, Maremma Rescue Victoria and Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter.

“I feel really proud of everyone involved,” Nicola says.

“Not just the people who volunteer but the people who support us and the groups who take us on.”

DESPITE all her accolades, Wodonga Senior Secondary School student Kelsey Freeman, 18, says she’s “surprised” about her nomination for the RED Carpet Youth Awards.

“I know there’s a lot of talented people around this area, so it’s a bit of a privilege as well,” she says.

But her achievements as a talented photographer speak for themselves.

Last year she received an A for her photography folios as well as the Photo Scope (arts excellence award) from her school for her outstanding photography in 2012.

And this year Kelsey established the school’s Photo Club.

“I knew we’d have a photo display for the end of the year and wanted to make sure everything was being captured,” she says.

“So everyone can remember things from our time here.”

Photography has been Kelsey’s passion ever since she was given a camera when she was 12. 

“I just loved taking photos with my friends,” she says.

“And I love capturing the moment, documenting memories — it’s just something I’ve always done.

“I mainly do portraiture, photographing people in a documentary style because in the future I want to be able to remember the things that happen now.”

As well as filling her room with images, Kelsey is constantly decorating the year 12 centre at her school with pictures she has taken at events. 

But she also says the awards are about recognising our youth.

“It’s a good thing for the community to do to recognise young people and their achievements,” she says.

“Sometimes you focus on all the bad things but this is a good focus on the positives.”

AT 14 years old Fiona Harding has a lot of roles to play.

Perhaps it’s attending the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School, or perhaps it’s just something that’s in-built.

But Fiona has learnt to juggle each of her responsibilities with an inspiring maturity — from caring for her brother and mum, to performing on stage as part of the school’s circus.

“I have just learnt over the last couple of years to balance out of my life, some things are more important than others,” Fiona says.

“I care for my brother, who is autistic, and I care for my mum because she became depressed and needed the support.

“So you have to make sure your school work gets done early instead of last minute.”

Fiona first started caring when she was 12. 

“I realised you have to grow up quickly,” she says.

“You don’t always get to hang out with your friends, but in the long run it’s good.”

There’s little doubt the Fruit Flies offer Fiona another side to life.

“I love the opportunity it gives, and I love performing in front of people,” she says.

“I enjoy being able to forget who you are, and being able to give a totally different character’s view of the world and show an audience what you can do with that character within the production.”

Her caring role has increased her natural leadership skills, which have led to Fiona becoming a leader representative for the student body of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School.

She says the RED Carpet Awards are a chance for young people to really take centre stage.

“Many don’t realise how much young people do in the community and how much they make a difference,” Fiona says.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of people around the community.

“And it’s great to know that people have seen the work I do around the community as well.”