NYW 2008 Supporters

If you think you’ve seen the familiar ‘fro and that infectious smile around the National Youth Week halls before, you’d be correct – Fuzzy is coming on board as a supporter of National Youth Week for the second year in a row! 

Fuzzy is the host of ‘Video Hits First’, which screens on weekends on Network Ten, and has the awesome job of previewing some of the hottest new music and interviewing some of the world’s biggest artists.

To help celebrate National Youth Week 2007, Fuzzy co-hosted Video Hits LIVE – National Youth Week and helped entertain a crowd of thousands of young people who packed into Martin Place in Sydney. Her bubbly personality and enthusiasm helped ensure the success of the event.

Fuzzy is also a very conscientious about being green and has undertaken courses in environmental studies at university which she hopes to one day couple with her career in the media.

As a supporter of National Youth Week 2008, Fuzzy is keen to see young people demonstrate their artistic talents by getting involved with the National Talent Competition.

“For NYW07, I really wanted to encourage young people to get involved with the National Talent Competition. After seeing the calibre of talent from the entries from last year, I strongly urge everyone to get involved in the National Talent Competition during NYW08,” Fuzzy said.

“Young Australians are brimming with talent and this is your opportunity to win some fantastic prizes and gain industry recognition.”

Although only appearing on our TV screens for short period of time (as a star of Network Ten’s ‘Neighbours’), Matthew has been pursuing his passions – acting and music theatre – for many years.

At only 15 years old, Matthew’s experience almost makes him a veteran of the performing arts and he has the enviable task of trying to balance his school work with his role as ‘Zeke Kinski’ in the show.

“It can be hard to balance school and Neighbours. But I handle it because I love acting so much,” Matthew said.

Matthew joined the Children’s Performing Company in 2003 and it was through the company’s in-house agency that he landed the role of a lifetime on ‘Neighbours’.

Having been part of the performing arts scene from such a young age, Matthew is a big advocate for getting young people involved in arts projects and through National Youth Week wants to encourage young people to pursue their own interests.

“It’s really important that young people recognise their talents and participate in activities that they are interested in. Finding people who have common interests can be really rewarding and it’s also a great way to make new friends,” Matthew said. 

“I always knew that acting was what I loved. National Youth Week provides young people in all parts of the country the chance to meet new people and get involved in something they love doing as well.”

Australia’s new golden girl of the pool has jumped on board as a National Youth Week supporter!

19 year old Queenslander, Stephanie Rice, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with on the international swimming stage after winning gold in both the 200m and 400m individual medleys at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Steph also won bronze in the 200m and 400m individual medleys at the 12th FINA World Championships in March of 2007.

Steph’s meteoric rise through the world swimming ranks is sure to stand her in good stead as she prepares for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Steph chose to become a supporter of National Youth Week to encourage young people to follow their dreams.

“There are heaps of activities and events happening as part of National Youth Week. It’s one of the best times of the year for young people to get out there and try their hand at something new or do something they love, “ Steph said.

“I hope all young Australians will join in the celebrations and make the most out of it.”

As one of six siblings, Ben learned from an early age how to make sure his voice was heard. That knack for speaking up has helped Ben in his endeavours to speak on behalf of others.

Ben has been an Australian Red Cross volunteer since 2003, fulfilling various roles including sitting on their Tasmanian Youth Advisory Committee. Ben even got the opportunity to represent the Australian Red Cross at an international youth conference in Israel.

As the 2007 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Ben spent the past year meeting over 4,000 young people from all parts of the country to find out their concerns and aspirations.  He then travelled to New York where he represented Australian youth within the Australian delegation to the United Nations.  This process involved addressing the General Assembly, negotiating a youth resolution and presenting a book full of the written thoughts of hundreds of young Australians to the Secretary-General.

As a supporter of National Youth Week, Ben hopes to encourage young people to stand up, speak out and show the nation what is important to them:

“After spending the year meeting young Aussies from all corners of this country, I became aware of the issues we often face. However, there are so many opportunities out there.  It is inspiring to see so many passionate young people grasping these opportunities and making a positive impact in their communities.”

“Young people have so much to offer. National Youth Week is an opportunity for young people to get involved in our local communities and make a huge difference.”

Matthew is proving to be a player to watch in the AFL. He was the No. 13 draft pick in the 2004 National Draft after a stellar U18 season that culminated in him winning the Mourish Medal for the TAC Cup’s best player in 2004.

2006 was big year for the talented forward - he made his debut for the Melbourne Demons and received a nomination for the NAB Rising Star competition as well.

In 2007, Matthew finished 3rd in the club’s Best & Fairest competition, establishing himself as a future star for the Demons.

Having achieved a lot already at 20 years if age, Matthew has jumped on board as a supporter of National Youth Week to demonstrate the importance of being active in the local community.

“I played in local teams in Victoria for years before being drafted to the AFL. Not only is getting involved in local team sport a great way to keep active and healthy, it also provides an opportunity for young people to connect with likeminded people in their local area,” Matthew said.

“There are plenty of sporting activities happening across the country that you can participate in as part of National Youth Week. And if sport’s not your thing, why not check some of the other activities going on? There’s plenty to do right across the country, so check out the activities and events listings and get involved.”