Throughout NSW there are many young people who perform invaluable work for Australian Red Cross and the people we help.

During Youth Week 2007, Red Cross would like to say thanks to all the young people throughout the state who quietly volunteer their time and efforts to make a difference in our community.

This week, four young people were nominated for the Red Cross NSW Youth Week Awards by their peers, Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Cassandra paints a brighter picture for women and kids

Cassandra helps the community through the Energy Australia Red Cross Youth Challenge Program, which provides opportunities for young people to develop and participate in their own community project.

Over the past six months Cassandra, an accomplished artist, has been painting wonderfully bright artworks and donating them to a women’s and children’s refuge -- bringing light and colour to the women and children who stay here!

Cassandra helps the community through the Energy Australia Red Cross Youth Challenge Program, which provides opportunities for young people to develop and participate in their own community project.

Over the past six months Cassandra, an accomplished artist, has been painting wonderfully bright artworks and donating them to a women’s and children’s refuge -- bringing light and colour to the women and children who stay here!

The artwork was her way of giving back to her community.

Residents and staff at the refuge love the four paintings Cassandra has donated.

Guy, Josh and James help feed our future

Guy, Josh and James (the Bulah Brekky Boys) have been volunteering for the Good Start Breakfast Club at Bulahdelah Central School for over a year. The Breakfast Club feeds disadvantaged kids nutritious breakfasts to make sure they have enough brain-fuel to improve their learning capacity at school and get off to a good start. To ensure the program is reaching those kids most in need, Guy, Josh and James have advertised the program to other students through websites, movies and posters.

The "Bulah Brekky Boys" (centre)

Their promotion has been a success with an increase in the number of kids who access the service each morning.

Nick Kearns saves-a-mate

Nick Kearns has been involved as a peer educator in the save-a-mate (SAM) program for over six months. SAM peer educators work with young people at festivals and major events to make sure everyone has a good, safe time. They pass out party survival guides which set out basic principles such as keeping an eye on your drinks, staying hydrated and looking after your mates. Nick has volunteered at festivals such as Harbour-Life, Shore Thing, Homebake, Field Day and V Festival. Nick said he got involved with the Australian Red Cross to gain experience working on alcohol and other drug education programs.

Nick (centre) with the SAM crew

'You get to meet great people who have similar interests and beliefs, and of course you also get to see some great bands,' Nick said.

Pamela Rudge talks youth issues Pamela joined Red Cross as the Bathurst branch Youth Liaison Officer. In 2005 she attended the Red Cross National Conference as a NSW youth delegate. In 2006 Pamela helped promote and coordinate Youth Challenge to Bathurst high schools and set up Good Start Breakfast Clubs in two local primary schools. In her spare time Pamela is a second year uni student and is currently setting up a tennis coaching business.

Pamela promotes youth issues