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This article was published on Wednesday, 11 June, 2025. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Young people invited to design Greater Shepparton’s youth mascot with ‘Face of the Youth’ competition

In Summary

Council has launched the ‘Face of the Youth’ competition, inviting young people aged 12 to 25 to design a new youth mascot for Greater Shepparton.
The winning design will be developed into a digital character featured across Council’s youth programs, events and campaigns.
Entries are open until Wednesday 9 July 2025, with finalists shortlisted by the Youth Committee and Council officers, and a winner announced in August.
Submissions can be hand-drawn or digital and should include both a visual design and a description of the character’s personality or story.

The ‘Face of the Youth’ competition calls on young creatives to submit a mascot concept that reflects the identity, energy, and diversity of young people in our region. The winning design will be developed into a digital character and featured throughout Council’s youth engagement efforts in 2025 and beyond.

Entries are now open until Wednesday 9 July 2025, with submissions accepted via Council’s website. Finalists will be shortlisted by members of the Greater Shepparton Youth Committee and Council officers, with the winner to be announced in early August 2025.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the competition is a creative and meaningful way to recognise the important role young people play in shaping the future of Greater Shepparton.

“The Face of the Youth competition gives young people a chance to shape how they are represented and celebrated in our community,” he said.

“We want our young people to feel seen, heard and included, and this campaign reflects that. It is an opportunity for young people to take the lead, share their vision, and influence how youth events and programs connect with others their age.”

The mascot will be used in youth-facing communications, including posters, videos, social media, surveys, and event signage. While the visual design is the focus, entries are encouraged to also describe the character’s personality, values, or story to help bring the mascot to life.

Council’s Director - Community, Louise Mitchell, said the competition is a fantastic way to engage with young creatives and give them the opportunity to shape how youth events are represented.

“The competition empowers young people to represent themselves and to design a mascot that is not only creative, but also meaningful and relatable to others their age,” she said.

“Young people understand what will connect with their peers, and when they are given the opportunity to lead that process, we see stronger connections and greater participation.”

The Face of the Youth competition is open to any young person aged 12 to 25 who lives, works or studies in Greater Shepparton. Both hand-drawn and digital submissions are welcome.

Tap here for more information and to enter.

For further information, please call Council’s Community Wellbeing team on 5832 9700 or email CommunityWellbeing@shepparton.vic.gov.au