Bill Cumming Young Achiever Award Open for Nominations

Nominations for the Bill Cumming Young Achiever Award are now open. The award is offered by the Community Bank Neerim District to empower young people facing challenging circumstances and provide them with resources to pursue their ambitions.

The annual award is named in honour of the late Bill Cumming and is presented in the spirit of Bill’s commitment to the Neerim community and his passion for encouraging young people to strive for excellence.

“This award recognises the achievements of young people. We’re proud to be able to help alleviate the financial burden, so that recipients can pursue their academic or professional ambitions more confidently,” Clive Patrickson, Chair of Neerim District Community Enterprise who run the Community Bank Neerim District, said.

This financial support, valued at $1,500 per year, awarded for a maximum of three years or the duration of the recipient’s program (whichever is shorter), covers travel costs for personal and professional development, as well as essential program expenses. By reducing financial barriers, the Young Achiever Award allows recipients to focus on their goals, enhancing opportunities for growth and community impact.

 “The travel and costs associated with basketball are massive, not only for the games, but training, physio, equipment, and travel. We as a family, and especially Riley, are so grateful to the committee for nominating Riley for the Bill Cumming award,” Emily Morehu, whose son Riley, a promising young basketballer, won the 2023 Young Achiever Award, said. “The Cumming family have given so much to this community, and we are so grateful to receive this. It’s a real honour.”

Who Can Be Nominated?

The award is open to young people aged 15 to 25 who can demonstrate that they are overcoming difficult circumstances, which may include financial, social, or health-related challenges. The award aims to uplift young achievers who show genuine commitment to their education or development and who actively contribute to their communities.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

Nominations must come from a teacher, coach, mentor, or community group representative, who can attest to the nominee's character, dedication, and need. This nomination must demonstrate the young person’s initiative, motivation, and proven involvement in their community.

Nominations are now open and close 30 January 2025. For more information and to nominate a young achiever, please visit https://communitybankneerimdistrict.smartygrants.com.au/