At Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic), we’re changing this picture. We’re the state’s peak body for young people and the youth sector – the leading policy advocate for young Victorians. We’ve proudly worked with and for young people across our state for almost 60 years. This month, we’ve further increased our rural and regional focus by opening nominations for our inaugural YACVic Rural Youth Awards.

The awards are a new opportunity to shine a spotlight on and celebrate the young people and youth support workers making a difference to their communities.

We’re seeking nominations from across country Victoria in the three categories: young people leading change, youth workers making a difference, and innovative youth projects or programs. Each award will recognise the successes and contributions of hard-working Victorians dedicated to helping and improving their communities. Each category will include three shortlisted finalists, with one winner awarded $1000.

The awards ceremony will be held on September 26 at Parliament House in Melbourne. It will be hosted by YACVic’s activators – young people working with us to advocate on an issue important to their rural community. The awards will be presented by Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos. We’re thrilled shadow minister for youth affairs and Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan, and Victorian Greens youth a­ffairs spokesperson, Huong Truong, will also attend.

Of course, winning an award will be a fantastic achievement for those selected, but simply being nominated will demonstrate to a young person or youth worker that they’re acknowledged and valued by their community. We’ll be sending all nominees a certificate congratulating them on their nomination, and noting their valued work.

We know there are so many amazing young people and youth workers in rural and regional communities right across our state, and we’re sure you know some too.

Maybe it’s your neighbour who always helps out, a young business owner driving your town’s economy, or even your own child or family member going an extra mile to support a friend or community group. It could be the coach of your junior hockey team, the local council worker who’s always there to support the kids, or a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students.

How often do you get a chance to thank these people and let them know their work is appreciated? Well, here’s a perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate young people giving it a go, and the professionals and volunteers who dedicate their time to helping them. Make a nomination for the YACVic Rural Youth Awards now at www.yacvicrural.org.au – but be quick, nominations close at midnight on Friday, August 31.

You can also show your support for youth workers by joining YACVic’s #youthworkmatters campaign, which is calling for more trained, supported youth workers in all areas of our state.

Victoria should be a place where all young people feel they belong. Every young Victorian deserves to enjoy good health, education, the opportunity to work and the chance to connect with culture, family and friends. Unfortunately, not all our young people have the support they need – many report they don’t have a trusted adult in their lives, drop out of secondary school each year without finishing year 12, or struggle with finding work or study-related stress. Without positive connections to adults and their community, some young people come into contact with the justice system or experience problems with alcohol or other drugs.

We can better help and support all of our young Victorians with more youth workers – unique professionals who build trust and understanding between young people, their families and communities.

Working in many different settings, including schools, local government, youth justice and health services, youth workers help young people to make informed choices about important things like education, work, health and relationships, overcome challenges like mental health issues or finding and keeping a job, and maximise the opportunities available to them, like becoming more independent, playing a leadership role in their community, or simply enjoying more of the good things in their lives.

By helping young people stay in education, find work and lead healthy lives, youth workers help reduce public spending on policing, welfare or crisis support services. Increasing the number of youth workers will be great news for all Victorians, particularly in rural and regional areas that have been traditionally disadvantaged by less investment in youth support services than metropolitan communities.

You can back the youth workers backing country kids by signing onto the campaign at www.youthworkmatters.org.au, we’d love to have your support.

Leo Fieldgrass is chief executive officer of Youth Affairs Council Victoria.