In a world filled with opportunities, the Westpac Youth Impact Challenge stands out as a beacon for young Australians seeking to make a difference. The Challenge is a nationwide initiative open to all young people around Australia aged 7 to 21 years, aiming to help them solve problems in their local or global communities.
Ross Miller, Chief Customer Engagement Officer at Westpac, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "At Westpac, we’re passionate about supporting communities to thrive, and young people are such a massive part of this right across the country. We’re proud to back this Challenge which fosters entrepreneurship in those communities but also nurtures engagement and social responsibility.”
Beyond the chance to create positive change, this challenge offers perks and benefits that can elevate your impact and make you stand out. Let's explore how you can make the most of these advantages and emerge as a change maker to be reckoned with.
Empowerment Through Action:
Forget sitting on the sidelines—this is your chance to dive headfirst into the action! The Westpac Youth Impact Challenge is all about turning your ideas into action and transforming the world around you. Whether you're passionate about saving the planet, championing social justice, or sparking innovation, this challenge gives you the power to make a tangible impact in your community and beyond!
Recognition and Celebration:
As you journey through the Challenge, your achievements will be celebrated and recognised every step of the way. From receiving a Certificate of Completion signed by Chief Customer Engagement Officer at Westpac, Ross Miller, just for participating (which will look amazing on your portfolio/resume), to the opportunity to win a Prize Pack from Microsoft which includes a Microsoft Surface Laptop to help take their projects to the next level. Plus, winners will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, CEOs, and mentors at an exclusive awards dinner, where they can gain valuable insights, advice, and feedback to fuel their future success.
Community and Collaboration:
Join forces with a dynamic community of fellow change-makers, mentors, and experts who are just as passionate about creating positive change as you are. Through Youth Impact HQ, you'll connect with like-minded peers, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that have the power to change lives. Together, you'll form a formidable alliance, supporting each other every step of the way as you strive to make a difference in the world. There’s also a stack of free courses and content to help you and your business grow!
Previous Winners Leveraging the Perks and Benefits:
Here, we delve into the journeys of past winners who maximised the perks and benefits of the Westpac Youth Impact Challenge to create meaningful change in their communities.
- Sebastian - The Earth is my Place - Previous Primary Prize Winner: Sebastian's journey began at just six years old when he first became aware of the environmental damage inflicted by the fashion industry. This early realisation sparked his ambition to initiate a green revolution. Harnessing recycled plastic bottles and organic cotton, he crafts T-shirts that embody sustainability. With each T-shirt sold, Sebastian plants a tree in Africa, addressing the detrimental impacts of traditional clothing production. Winning the Westpac Youth Impact Challenge at 7 years old was a significant moment for Sebastian, reinforcing the importance of his efforts and motivating him to continue making a positive impact on our planet. Since the Challenge Sebastian has now sold 720 shirts, equalling to 720 trees being planted.
- Siobhan - Our Pixie Friends - Previous Secondary Prize Winner: Siobhan, born prematurely with medical conditions, founded "Our Pixie Friends" at 12 years old to help other kids with medical conditions feel less alone and isolated. Through her website, books, and merchandise featuring Pixie Characters with various medical conditions, she promotes inclusivity. Siobhan's dream of raising $1 million for medical research and having her Pixie Characters in ambulances reflects her dedication to making a difference. Now, at 14, Siobhan has published 3 children’s picture books to help children to cope with life’s challenges and through her book readings, pixie appearances and public speaking she has been able to impact the lives of over 4000 children, 1000 teenagers and 450 adults. Her journey, from battling for her life at birth to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for inclusivity, exemplifies the transformative power of the Westpac Youth Impact Challenge.
- Keziah - STEMSisterhood - Previous Young Adult Prize Winner: Keziah, an engineering and information technology student, founded STEM Sisterhood to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Through workshops for girls in grades 3-8, Keziah provides a safe and supportive environment for young women to explore STEM areas. After being awarded as a Winner, Keziah then went on to receive a grant funding of $10,000 to continue to develop her idea of nurturing young girls' interests in STEM and encouraging them to pursue careers in these fields. Keziah's commitment to empowering young women in STEM highlights the impact of the Westpac Youth Impact Challenge in fostering entrepreneurship and social responsibility.
The Westpac Youth Impact Challenge isn't just a competition—it's a springboard for greatness. By seizing the perks and benefits it offers, you can elevate your impact and make a lasting impression as a change maker. So, are you ready to make your mark on the world?
