Australian nonprofits are well aware of the important role played by young people in their long-term success - providing the enthusiasm and energy needed to spread a message or advance a cause.
In recognition of the value presented to these charity organisations by youthful participants, the Office for the Not-for-Profit Sector has announced a new competition for budding film enthusiasts.
The Volunteering Video Competition for Young People was launched on April 19 by the minister for social inclusion Mark Butler.
Mr Butler announced the initiative would be based on the theme "Your Passion, Our Nation. Volunteer Now!" was designed to highlight the important role the volunteering played in the wider community - as well as the enjoyment fun and self-fulfilment it can bring to the individual.
The minister asserted: "Volunteers contribute enormously across a range of sectors, such as community, education, religion and sport.
"We want more of our young Australians to know about the benefits to them and their community of volunteering, and show them the variety of ways they can contribute to a cause of their choice."
Lending his voice to the charity event was 2012 Australian of the Year Geoffrey Rush - the actor and film producer taking the opportunity to expand on the opportunities the competition could provide.
"This is a call out to all of our budding, young film makers to get behind the camera and capture the true essence and benefits that young people can gain from volunteering," said Mr Rush.
"Like the arts, volunteering can sometimes lack visibility and people aren’t aware of the enormous opportunities it provides."
Two age categories are available to applicants, with young people between the ages of 15 and 25 able to enter either as individuals or a part of a team.
Entries are being accepted online, with organisers requesting participants upload their films to YouTube and submit the resulting link online - with entries closing on 17:00 AEST on July 22 2012.
Judging will be performed by a panel of specialists yet to be announced, with the resulting clips being screened for originality, production quality and content communication, amongst other points of consideration.
The winners will be announced in September, with a range of professional film and photographic equipment available to the best scoring videos across six broad categories.
