The awards recognise and highlight the contributions young people aged 14 to 24 make to the community.

Wodonga Council’s youth services officer Anthony Nicholson said the event was Wodonga’s version of the Academy Awards.

There were 10 categories and the winners were not based on excellence, but more on how involved they were in the community.

“There’s a sport and music category but the winner isn’t the person who is the most talented,” Mr Nicholson said.

“It’s for the person who is giving back to the community through that different medium.”

Winners included 19-year-old Catherine Webb who won the title of RACV youth ambassador due to her ability to put others before herself.

Mr Nicholson said people could not be nominated for this award and are chosen from the interviews conducted for nominees over every category.

Ms Webb had taken over the position of the faith and services trainee at Catholic College, which involved her participating in community events.

Her passion and commitment has allowed her to excel in the position.

Ms Webb was described as a great leader with an ability to inspire other students to do great things.

The winners for other categories included Natasa Sojic, winner of the OzGreen Eco Warrior award, Tanika Thompson, winner of the ATEL Employment Services Apprenticeship-Traineeship award, Youth Albury-Wodonga, winner of the Joss Group Organisational Youth Support award, Taleah French, winner of the Murray Valley Radiation Oncology Young Carer award, James Hallahan, winner of the Boost Juice Albury-Wodonga Sport and Recreation award, Dayzha O’Toole, winner of the Youthways Endurance/Persistence award, For the Animals Youth Group, winner of the Rotary Club of Wodonga Group Community Service award, Aaron Pimm, winner of the Wodonga Chamber of Commerce Individual Community Service award and Hounds Homebound, winner of the M.E.G.A.S. Music.com.au Visual and Performing Arts award.