As the Federal Minister for Youth, I can’t tell you how proud I am to be involved in National Youth Week 2010. This is the eleventh year of National Youth Week, and each year it moves from strength to strength.

National Youth Week runs every year to highlight what young people bring to the wider community every day of the year – it showcases what young people are doing right now.

Whether it is through workshops, exhibitions, festivals, competitions, or serious debates, National Youth Week gives all young Australians the chance to express themselves and be recognised for the valuable contribution they make to our communities.

One such achievement is that National Youth Week is run by young people, for young people. A group of Young Members, including one representing your state or territory, is responsible for the look and feel of National Youth Week 2010. Young Members also came up with the theme, ‘Live it Now’ – and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate reflection of today’s young people.

Young people today grow up in completely different circumstances to my generation and as a result they are facing very different challenges. This is why in late 2009, the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP and I, launched a National Conversation to consult with young people and the broader community on the development of a National Strategy for Young Australians. We recognise that young Australians can bring new ideas, perspectives and solutions to the challenges facing Australia. They don’t feel the need to wait until they are older to make a difference. They are making their mark now.

The Australian Government is working to ensure that all young Australians are empowered, included, and well supported so they can make a difference, no matter where they’re from. That is why National Youth Week is run as a joint initiative between the Australian Government and all state, territory and local governments – no matter where you live, you can get involved and celebrate National Youth Week.

I’d like to congratulate Andrew Pearce of Victoria, who designed the ‘Live it Now’ National Youth Week 2010 branding concept. The graphics on this website and the community service announcement are based on Andrew’s poster design. It is truly an indication of the creativity that young Australians are brimming with.

As Minister for Youth, I urge you to get on board with National Youth Week and display your ideas and achievements. You can do this by entering the National Talent Competition to rock, write, design, shoot or snap your way to some awesome prizes. You can host your own event, or get involved in activities in your area. All the information you need is here on the website.

I can’t wait for National Youth Week 2010 in April, and I can’t wait to see the ways young people across the country live it now.

Kate Ellis
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare and Youth