Giving Compass' Take:

• Young Australians who are making a difference in social impact receive awards for their various enterprises that address global issues. 

• Why is it important to foster youth ideas and development, especially in the social sector? 

• Read about why it's time to invest in youth power.

The Foundation for Young Australians holds its annual Unleashed Awards in Melbourne every November to acknowledge and commemorate the efforts of young changemakers Australia-wide. This year, young people working to shift societal standards, addressing global medical challenges, and working to tackle drug and alcohol poisoning were honoured.

First among the seven award categories is the Boss Enterprise of the Year Award, open to a business, venture, or social enterprise created by students in years 7-9. This year's winner was the BeeSustainable initiative from Mentone Girls Grammar in Melbourne. The student-led enterprise produces recyclable Eco Food Wraps from local beeswax and reusable cloth in an attempt to decrease the quantity of plastic wrap throughout the environment.

Taking the top prize in the year 10-12 category for the same award is social enterprise Connect from Oran Park Anglican College. Connect was created to advance the technological knowledge of older generations via seminars and tutorials. In doing so, they hope to decrease the gap between age groups and allow for inter-generational social relationships.

The Jumpstart Award, open to young people aged 12-18 involved in initiatives with a social purpose, was given to Dyslexia Demystified. The initiative aims to stop feelings of embarrassment around dyslexia by offering online support groups to dyslexic young people.

Read the full article about Australian changemakers by Madeleine Keck at Global Citizen