Media Statements - Search for West Australian youth ambassadors begins

7/4/00

The search is on for 12 outstanding young Western Australians to play a major role in the nation’s Centenary of Federation celebrations next year.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Rob Johnson today launched Youth Envoys - a project of the National Council for the Centenary of Federation.

Australia will celebrate 100 years of Federation, when the six colonies joined together to form a Commonwealth, on January 1, 2001.

One hundred young Australians – including 12 from WA - will participate in major Centenary events, including:

the Journey of a Nation Federation Parade in Sydney on January 1 next year;
the exhibition, A Nation United – 100 Years of Nationhood, in Melbourne during May;
an evening of traditional and contemporary events and the Road Ahead Concert in Alice Spring in September; and -
the Centenary finale in Canberra in late November/early December, 2001.

Youth Envoys will be asked to record their experiences through writing, photography, video, music, drama, poetry, dance and computer technology. These records will be kept in the National Archives.

Mr Johnson said he hoped a diverse range of young people would apply to become Youth Envoys.

“You don’t need any special qualifications,” he said.

“You just have to want to be an enthusiastic participant in Centenary of Federation celebrations and be prepared to relate your experiences to other young people.

“City and country youth, those who were born in Australia and those who were not, young people with special needs, students, workers and the unemployed - all are welcome to apply. All we ask is that they have a passion for Australia.”

The National Council for the Centenary of Federation will meet all travel costs, accommodation, meals and a small allowance.

To be eligible, applicants must be aged 15 or 16 at January 1, 2001, and permanent residents of Australia.

Young people can get more information about the Youth Envoys program from the Centenary of Federation office on (08) 9222 6969 or 1800 653 657, or they can download an application form and information from http://www.centenary.gov.au

The successful applicants will be announced in July.

Media contact: Fran Hodge 9481 3244