Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Inspiring Young Women’s Award is a Tasmanian recognition initiative that celebrates the achievements, talent, and potential of young women across the state. It highlights individuals who demonstrate dedication, leadership, or outstanding contribution in their chosen field or area of passion.
The award is designed not only to recognise achievement but also to inspire other young women by showcasing role models from diverse backgrounds and communities throughout Tasmania.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary purpose of the award is to acknowledge and celebrate young women who are making meaningful contributions in their communities, professions, or fields of interest.
Key objectives include:
- Recognising achievement, talent, and leadership in young women
- Increasing visibility of young women’s contributions across Tasmania
- Encouraging participation in diverse fields and industries
- Promoting inclusion and representation of underrepresented groups
- Inspiring future generations through public recognition and storytelling
- Supporting personal and professional development pathways
The award also helps amplify voices of young women whose work may not yet have widespread recognition.
Key Areas of Achievement
The award recognises contributions across a broad range of sectors and life experiences.
Eligible fields include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and leadership
- Activism, advocacy, and human rights
- Agriculture and primary industries
- Arts, culture, and media
- Business, entrepreneurship, and workplace relations
- Community inclusion and social development
- Education and youth development
- Environmental protection and sustainability
- Public services, governance, and politics
- Health and wellbeing sectors
- Justice, law enforcement, and corrections
- Multicultural and diversity initiatives
- Planning, engineering, and infrastructure
- Police and emergency services
- Prevention of family and domestic violence
- Science, technology, and research
- Sport, recreation, and physical achievement
- Tourism and hospitality
- Volunteering and community service
- Unpaid caring roles and family responsibilities
This wide scope ensures recognition of both professional achievements and community-based contributions.
Award Structure and Age Categories
The award is divided into three age-based categories to ensure fair recognition across different stages of youth and early adulthood:
- 12–16 years: Early youth achievement and emerging leadership
- 17–21 years: Developing leadership, education, and community contribution
- 22–30 years: Established young professionals and community leaders
This structure allows recognition of both emerging potential and established impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is open to individuals who identify as young women, including transgender and/or non-binary people with lived experience as young women.
Applicants must:
- Be aged between 12 and 30 years as of 7 March 2026
- Have lived in Tasmania for at least 12 months prior to nomination
- Demonstrate achievement, contribution, or strong potential in their field
The program actively encourages nominations from:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women
- Young women with disability
- Young women from rural and regional communities
- Young women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- LGBTIQA+ young women and communities
Nomination Process
Who Can Nominate
- Anyone can submit a nomination
- Self-nominations are permitted
- Nominator must understand the nominee’s achievements in detail
Consent Requirements
- Nominations for individuals under 18 require parental or guardian consent
Submission Requirements
- Up to 800 words describing achievements and impact
- Supporting documentation is optional but encouraged
Supporting Evidence May Include:
- Media articles or press coverage
- Letters of support or references
- Awards or certificates
- Evidence of community or professional impact
Selection and Recognition Process
Nominations are assessed based on the quality and significance of contributions.
Key selection considerations include:
- Demonstrated achievement or leadership
- Contribution to community or chosen field
- Level of commitment and sustained involvement
- Innovation, initiative, or excellence in performance
- Positive influence on others and role-modelling capacity
- Representation of diversity and inclusion
Selected recipients receive public recognition and are promoted across Tasmania through media and social media platforms to maximise visibility and impact.
Why the Award Matters
The Inspiring Young Women’s Award plays an important role in highlighting the achievements of young women across Tasmania. It helps ensure that their contributions are visible, valued, and celebrated within the broader community.
By showcasing diverse role models, the award encourages participation in leadership, education, and professional fields while challenging stereotypes and barriers faced by young women. It also strengthens community awareness of the importance of inclusion and representation in all sectors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weakened by:
- Vague descriptions of achievements without specific examples
- Lack of evidence or supporting documentation
- Failure to clearly explain impact or contribution
- Not demonstrating leadership or initiative
- Ignoring eligibility requirements (age or residency)
- Underestimating unpaid or community-based contributions
- Poorly structured or unclear nomination writing
Tips for a Strong Nomination
Strong nominations clearly demonstrate impact, leadership, and potential.
Best practices include:
- Provide specific examples of achievements and outcomes
- Highlight leadership roles and initiative taken
- Include evidence such as media or references
- Emphasise community impact and influence on others
- Recognise both formal achievements and informal contributions
- Show alignment with inclusion and diversity values
- Write clearly and focus on measurable impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can be nominated?
- Young women aged 12–30 living in Tasmania
- Includes transgender and non-binary people with lived experience as young women
- Must have lived in Tasmania for at least 12 months
Can someone nominate themselves?
- Yes
- Self-nominations are allowed
- Nominee must still meet eligibility criteria
What age categories exist?
- 12–16 years
- 17–21 years
- 22–30 years
What fields are recognised?
- Arts, science, education, sport, business, advocacy, health, and more
- Includes volunteering and unpaid caring roles
What is required in a nomination?
- Up to 800-word written submission
- Supporting documents such as references or media coverage (optional)
Is parental consent required?
- Yes, for nominees under 18 years of age
How are winners selected?
- Based on achievement, leadership, impact, and contribution
- Recognition includes public promotion across media platforms
Conclusion
The Inspiring Young Women’s Award is a vital recognition program that celebrates the talent, leadership, and contributions of young women across Tasmania. By highlighting achievements across diverse fields and communities, it empowers young women, promotes inclusion, and inspires future generations to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.
For more information, visit Tasmanian Government.
