Young Achiever Scheme

Open month to month – Closes 31 December 2026

Overview

Through our Young Achiever Scheme (YAS), we recognise and support young people (12 to 25 years old) who display an outstanding commitment to and/or achievement in their chosen field.

The scheme provides financial assistance (of up to $800) to individuals or groups of young people to participate, develop skills, compete, perform or represent Wodonga in their chosen endeavour at a local, state, national or international level. Conditions apply.

The scheme comprises of seven categories as outlined below:

1. Education and training
2. Arts, writing and design
3. Performance, music and dance
4. Cultural
5. Agriculture, environmental and sustainability
6. Community leadership
7. Sport and recreation

Celebrating successful applicants

Successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of the round closing. Young Achiever Scheme recipients will be awarded a certificate and prize pack, available for collection at Wodonga Council’s Customer Experience desk. Each quarter, successful applicants will be invited to come together for a photo opportunity with the Mayor, which will then be shared on social media to recognise their achievements. At a council meeting once per quarter, the Mayor will give a “shout out” to that quarter’s recipients. Recipients are not required to be in attendance.

Guideline

The following guideline overview applies to the scheme.

What do I need to know?

• The process is competitive and financial assistance cannot be guaranteed.
• Applications will open monthly throughout the year and close at midnight on the last day of every month.
• Applications must be made online on Wodonga Council’s website.
• Applications must be lodged at least three weeks prior to attending the supported activity/event.
• Applications must include a clear description of the activity/event and proof of participation in the activity/ event (i.e. receipt of entry fee, letter of participation).
• Financial assistance is available for both individuals and groups. If three or more applications are received from individuals to attend the same activity, the financial assistance will be allocated to the group instead of individuals.

Levels of assistance

Various levels of financial assistance is available for individuals or groups. Financial assistance is dependent upon the level of engagement, for example local level or state level. The financial assistance provided must be used for the purpose for which it has been granted. The financial assistance must be acquitted within one month of completion of the event/ activity.

Individual financial assistance

$100 – local level

$200 – state level

$400 – national level

$600 – international level

Group financial assistance

$200 – local level

$400 – state level

$600 – national level

$800 – international level

Note: Financial assistance will be awarded until the annual dedicated budget has been expended.

What do I need to do before submitting my application?

Prior to beginning the submission process, it is recommended that you have all your documents saved and ready to upload.

Proof of identity may include (but is not limited to):

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Medicare card
• Centrelink card
• Proof of age card
• Student card
• Birth certificate

Proof of residence in Wodonga

You will be prompted to make a declaration of residence in Wodonga within the application form.

Proof of participation in activity/event may include (but is not limited to):

• Receipt of entry fee
• Letter or email of participation

Written references may include:

• A personal reference: A character reference from people who know your skills and attributes. Good sources to use as a personal reference include school teachers, coaches or people for whom you have done volunteer work.
• A professional reference: Individuals who can provide a professional reference include previous employers, managers, colleagues, clients, business contacts and others who know your workplace skills and attributes.

Should you have any questions or require clarification concerning the application process or guidelines, please contact the Youth Officer at youth@wodonga.vic.gov.au

Am I eligible to apply?

Applicants must tick the following boxes to be eligible:

• Aged 12 to 24 years at the conclusion of the activity
• Reside in Wodonga
• Participating in, developing skills, competing, performing or representing Wodonga in their chosen endeavour at a local, state, national or international level
• Have not received support from the scheme in the previous 18 months
• Able to provide the council with proof of participation in the event/activity

Applications must not:

• Be from applicants being paid for their performance or participation
• Be for applicants who receive individual commercial sponsorship of $1000 or more
• Be from schools and tertiary institutions
• Be for activities that promote alcohol, gambling and smoking
• Be for activities that encourage an unhealthy portrayal of body image